Brazilian law enforcement has arrested three individuals believed to be involved in the activities of the now-defunct cryptocurrency brokerage, Braiscompany.
The detentions occurred in Foz do Iguaçu, near the Brazil-Argentina border, when the suspects are believed to have tried to flee the country. According to the report, those arrested were Arthur and Sabrina Lima, a couple suspected of being deeply involved in Braiscompanys activities.
Police opened an investigation into the company, codenamed Operation Halving, earlier this year. And in an official statement, officials said that the latest phase of the operation has seen officials seize some $28.7 million worth of property in raids. Click on company-related addresses in São Paulo and Aracaju. One of the properties appears to be an office equipped with computer terminals and desks.
Braiscompany came under closer scrutiny after investors voiced their inability to withdraw funds from the platform in December 2022. Earlier this year, the company, known for making promises to investors monthly interest of up to 8% on fiat or Bitcoin deposits, closed amid allegations of fraudulent activity.
Following the closure, the companys executives were suspected of fleeing with around $160 million in customer funds, prompting authorities to label the company a possible crypto pyramid scheme.
Arthur Lima is said to have played a vital role in this scheme, creating promotional videos and advising Antonio Neto, the operations alleged mastermind.
Meanwhile, Neto and Fabrícia Campos, another critical figure in Braiscompany, remained at large. Both have been added to Interpols red list, making them international fugitives who can be immediately apprehended.
Police say their latest investigations are focusing on a number of “brokers” affiliated with Braiscompany because these individuals act as “commercial representatives” and are actively looking for “new victims” for this plan.