The Federal Police and Brazil's tax authority, the Receita Federal, launched Operação Peça-Chave on Thursday (27) to dismantle an alleged contraband and money laundering ring. Investigators report that the targeted network moved over R$ 146 million (around US$ 26 million) between 2018 and 2023 without lawful accounting records.

Federal agents and tax auditors served nine search and seizure warrants across the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo. The warrants were issued by the 5th Federal Court of Campo Grande, granting permission to seize computers, business documents, jewelry, artwork, and cash holdings exceeding R$ 5,000 without proven lawful origin.

Origins of the inquiry and distribution methods

The investigation began after financial intelligence units flagged large cash withdrawals and atypical banking activity at branches along Brazil's border region. According to tax authorities, the suspects acquired foreign manufactured auto parts brought into Brazil outside regular customs channels.

According to federal auditors, the merchandise was distributed nationwide using fraudulent invoices. These documents were issued by shell companies known as "noteiras", which simulated legitimate commercial activity to provide cover for merchandise that had never been registered in formal inventory logs.

Asset concealment and next procedural stages

Investigators also identified evidence of money laundering through third party straw accounts. Bank accounts registered under individuals lacking personal wealth were allegedly used to channel proceeds from the illicit sales to the primary suspects.

The seized files and electronics will now undergo forensic evaluation to be cross-referenced with existing tax and banking data. The Federal Police will compile a final investigative report for the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office, which will determine whether to file formal criminal charges before the 5th Federal Court.