PCC-linked group used 'crime tribunal' for disputes, paid police: messages

Messages and audio recordings obtained by the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP-SP) in Brazil reveal how individuals linked to the First Capital Command (PCC) criminal faction used its internal structure to resolve private disputes, arrange payments to police officers, and manage large sums of illicit money. The investigation, dubbed Operation Janus, targeted a clandestine financial organization that served as the financial backbone for organized crime, including PCC leaders. At least 13 people have been arrested in connection with the operation. The intercepted conversations show the group resorting to the PCC's 'crime tribunal' to settle a R$ 2 million dispute over a property in Riviera de São Lourenço, a coastal area in São Paulo. One businessman, Cléber Azevedo dos Santos, expressed his frustration with the lack of agreement in faction meetings and stated that the 'command' would make the final decision. Another message indicated a desire for violent intervention in the dispute. The evidence also suggests systematic corruption of public officials, with communications detailing requests for money to pay police officers, including R$ 50,000 and R$ 100,000 in cash for officers from the Deic (Department of Investigation on Organized Crime). The group also offered sophisticated money laundering services, handling funds from drug trafficking and other criminal activities, and even managing cryptocurrency and pyramid schemes. A former accountant for a known money launderer was reportedly paid R$ 70,000 per month for her exclusive services, assisting in concealing assets and maintaining the illicit financial structure. The investigation also uncovered evidence of proximity between group members and high-ranking Military Police officers.