Brazil arrests funk singers in $320M crypto laundering ring
Federal Police arrested funk singers MC Ryan SP and MC Poze do Rodo and 37 others in Operation Narco Fluxo that disrupted an alleged $320 million crypto laundering network.
Brazil’s Federal Police arrested funk singers MC Ryan SP and MC Poze do Rodo and 37 other people in Operation Narco Fluxo, a nationwide probe that targeted an alleged cryptocurrency money-laundering network. Authorities executed 45 search-and-seizure warrants and carried out 39 temporary arrests across eight states and the Federal District: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Pernambuco, Espírito Santo, Maranhão, Santa Catarina, Paraná and Goiás. More than 200 officers took part in the raids.
In a statement, the Federal Police said: “Investigations indicate that those involved used a system to conceal and disguise assets, including high-value financial operations, transportation of cash, and transactions with crypto assets.” Officials put the value moved by the group at more than 1.6 billion reais, roughly $320 million. Authorities seized assets linked to the alleged scheme; those assets may be used to compensate affected parties.
The operation also led to the detention of influencer Raphael Sousa Oliveira, who has a large social media following. Federal authorities have not detailed his role in the alleged network. The investigation found the operation used a mix of cash movements, crypto transactions and a web of intermediaries and accounts to move funds.
Suspects are expected to face charges that could include criminal association, money laundering and tax evasion. Prosecutors will decide formal charges as investigators analyze seized records and digital transaction data. Federal Police have not released a complete list of the arrested individuals or full case files while the inquiry continues.
Operation Narco Fluxo follows broader efforts by Brazilian authorities to address crime involving digital assets. In November, former Finance Minister Fernando Haddad noted the government would increase efforts to identify and block illicit crypto flows and use tools from the Federal Revenue Service to trace suspicious activity and gather evidence for prosecutions.
The investigation remains active as agents continue to review electronic records and financial transfers linked to the operation.
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