A joint operation of civil police from four states and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) aims at a millionaire estelionate scheme against soccer players. Seven people are suspected of integrating a gang that diverted part of athletes’ salaries.
According to investigations, criminals used fake documents to open bank accounts on behalf of the players. Then, the gang made a request for wage portability, which were now deposited in the fraudulent accounts controlled by the scammers. Among the main players are striker Gabriel Barbosa, currently at Cruzeiro, and defender Walter Kannemann of Grêmio.
Still according to police, after the money was diverted, the criminals made several transactions, shopping and withdrawals to spray money and make recovery difficult. The agents made more than five arrests in Roraima and two in Paraná, including the gang chief, who was arrested in Curitiba.
The operation, named “False 9”, fulfills 11 arrest warrants and 22 search and seizure in Porto Velho (RO), Cuiabá (MT), Curitiba (PR), Admiral Tamandaré (PR) and Labrea (AM). More than $ 800,000 were seized with the suspects, as well as card machines and cell phones used in the fraudulent scheme.
The players were informed about the deviations. Members of the fraudulent group can be responsible for electronic fraud, use of fake identity, documentary falsification, money laundering and criminal organization. If they are convicted, the added feathers can reach up to 30 years in prison.
