A coordinated operation against organized crime mobilized security forces across 19 Brazilian states this Wednesday, September 16. Operation Força Integrada IV brought together 20 bases of the Integrated Task Forces for Combating Organized Crime (FICCOs) and targeted investigations related to drug and arms trafficking, money laundering, homicides, extortion, and other crimes.
The updated report by the Federal Police registers the execution of 173 search and seizure warrants and 93 arrest warrants. Another 44 people were arrested in flagrante during the proceedings. Court orders also determined the freezing, seizure, and restrictions on over R$ 508.3 million in assets and financial holdings linked to the investigated groups.
Tocantins accounts for the largest asset freeze
The main financial measure took place in Tocantins. Operation Rota Araguaia II targets an alleged logistical and financial core associated with transnational drug trafficking and money laundering. The courts authorized the freezing of up to R$ 412.5 million in assets and holdings.
In Mato Grosso do Sul, another front imposed restrictions of R$ 75 million. The investigation targets a group suspected of money laundering and also reached targets in Mato Grosso and Pernambuco. According to the Federal Police, previous investigations related to the case resulted in the seizure of over 250 kilograms of cocaine and 60 kilograms of hashish.
Bahia had one of the largest fronts
In Bahia, Operation Eirene II concentrated 57 search and seizure warrants and 45 arrest orders. Those under investigation are suspected of involvement in drug trafficking, homicides, extortion, money laundering, and illegal possession of firearms. Asset-related measures exceed R$ 12 million.
Actions were also carried out in Acre, Alagoas, Amapá, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Pará, Paraíba, Paraná, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Roraima, and Sergipe, in addition to fronts in Tocantins, Bahia, and Mato Grosso do Sul. Some investigations reached targets in more than one state.
Seizures and integrated structure
The national report indicates the seizure of 29 real estate properties and 18 vehicles valued at approximately R$ 1.6 million. Agents also seized seven firearms, 49 rounds of ammunition, around 11 kilograms of cocaine and derivatives, 90 kilograms of marijuana and derivatives, and R$ 171.8 thousand in cash.
The FICCOs follow a task-force model. They bring together the Federal Police, civil, military, and penal police, the Federal Highway Police, municipal guards, and state and federal security agencies. Coordination is led by the Federal Police, with no hierarchical relationship among participating institutions.
The country currently has 41 units of integrated forces. The goal is to share intelligence information and execute simultaneous actions to hit different operational and financial arms of criminal organizations.
Targets are treated as suspects under investigation and have the right to a defense. Warrants and asset freezes are judicial measures and do not represent a final conviction.
