PF seizes weapons and ammunition in operation against international trafficking

This Tuesday (20) the Federal Police launched Operation Black Market, with the aim of dismantling an international trafficking ring in firearms and accessories to Brazil. The action complied with three search and seizure warrants issued by the 5th. Criminal Court of Rio, in the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Nova Iguaçu, in Baixada Fluminense. Those investigated registered as Hunter, Shooter, Collector (CACs) to buy weapons and accessories for large-caliber weapons imported from the United States to Brazil. Registered as CACs with the Brazilian Army to acquire heavy weapons and accessories on a large scale, those investigated, taking advantage of the flexibility of legislation on the control of chargers, began to import equipment on a large scale from the United States. According to the Federal Police, the investigations indicated that the members of the criminal organization moved almost BRL 25 million in the last 5 years, an amount incompatible with the income declared with the Federal Revenue Service. At the residence of one of the targets, in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, the federal police seized two automatic pistols, seven magazines and dozens of ammunition for pistols and rifles, which resulted in the arrest in flagrante delicto of the person being investigated for the crimes of illegal possession of a firearm. of permitted and restricted use, in accordance with the Disarmament Statute. Those investigated will answer for the crimes of international trafficking in firearms, illegal trade in firearms, money laundering and criminal association. The combined penalties can exceed 44 years of imprisonment. Background The Ministry of Justice made a request for international legal cooperation with the US police, the US Homeland Security Investigations Agency, which seized 12 rifles in a weapons store in the city of Orlando, Florida, which would have Brazil. The investigations were initiated by the Special Police Station of the PF at the International Airport of Rio de Janeiro (DEAIN) after the seizure, in 2021, of 475 magazines of rifles and pistols in a carrier located in the neighborhood of Olaria, in the north zone of Rio de Janeiro. Investigations evolved and identified the purchase of 12 rifles seized today in the United States, which were destined for criminal factions that operate in communities in Rio de Janeiro.

Agência Brasil