Twenty-two charged in Brazil with money laundering for crime gangs

(Reuters)

SAO PAULO, July 15 – Rio de Janeiro prosecutors have charged 22 ​people with operating a sophisticated ‌money-laundering network for Brazilian criminal groups, authorities said on Wednesday, as police ​carried out raids across ​the states of Rio de Janeiro ⁠and Sao Paulo.

The Organized ​Crime Special Action Group (GAECO) said the ​network had moved millions of reais through recently established shell companies, using techniques ​such as structured deposits ​and the recruitment of accountants to disguise ‌the ⁠origin of illicit funds.

Local media, including CNN Brasil and news portal G1, reported that the group ​was suspected ​of ⁠laundering money for three different criminal gangs.

Asked about ​the reports, the Public ​Prosecutor’s ⁠Office said the probe was continuing under seal with the aim ⁠of ​identifying other suspects.

Prosecutors ​said the suspects included Lebanese nationals.