PF dismantles gang that defrauded Brazil Aid

The Federal Police (PF) carried out 10 search and seizure warrants and two preventive arrest warrants, this Tuesday (20), in an operation that investigates fraud in obtaining social benefits from the Federal Government’s Auxílio Brasil Program. The warrants were fulfilled in Passo Fundo (RS), Diadema (SP), Fortaleza and Brasília. Called Operation Jeremias, the mobilization involved 50 federal police officers and had the support of the Military Brigade, in Rio Grande do Sul, where the two arrests were made. Values ​​are also blocked in the accounts of those involved for reimbursement to the treasury. According to the PF, the investigation began in July of this year, with the arrest of five members of the group in a hotel in the city of Santa Maria, in possession of a large amount of prepaid bank cards, cash, false documents , computers and cell phones. Diligence carried out indicated that the seized items were instruments and objects of crimes, used by the group to create bank accounts at Caixa Econômica Federal on behalf of third parties, which were used to withdraw the benefit improperly. “As the investigation progressed, it was possible to identify the structure and scope of the criminal organization, its operators and beneficiaries. One of the leaders of the group was on parole, but continued to commit a series of crimes, being arrested in October of this year in the city of Novo Hamburgo”, informed the PF. Investigators investigate crimes of embezzlement against the Union, reception and formation of a criminal organization. The name of the operation refers to the biblical passage Jeremiah 17:5 “Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart turns away from the Lord”, a quote highlighted in the social profile of one of the members of the organization criminal.

Agência Brasil