The police officers also seized luxury cars, watches, and cash. The firm promised its customers a 15% return on what they had invested.
The Federal Police of Brazil seized 591 bitcoins, equivalent to USD 27 million, during an investigation of GAS Consultoría Bitcoin. That cryptocurrency company was allegedly operating a scam or Ponzi scheme.
During Operation Kryptos, the police seized 13.8 million Brazilian reais (BRL), equivalent to USD 2.6 million. Likewise, the law enforcement officers found 100 pounds sterling, US dollars, and euros.
In addition, the Brazilian police reported that they seized 21 luxury cars, several high-value watches, and jewelry in recent days. The law enforcement agency believes that this could be the largest seizure of Bitcoin and other assets they have ever made.
Promising a 10% Return to the Investors
The company, which had no registration with the Brazilian cryptocurrency regulatory bodies, was in the Lagos Region, Rio de Janeiro. They established a network to make public offers with an investment contract, promising their customers a 10% return on the invested amount.
The operation took place in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Ceará, and the Federal District, where the police arrested five people. Those people arrested included Glaidson Acácio, the owner of the Bitcoin consultancy.
Acácio and the others are facing charges for crimes of fraudulent management, issuance of securities without prior registration, criminal organization, and money laundering. If convicted by the authorities, they could go to jail for 26 years.
The police also explained that the financial transactions of the Acácio company totaled approximately USD 30 million during the last six years. Half of those operations took place in the past 12 months.
A Company Representative Asks the Investors to Be Calm
After the police arrested Acácio, the investors received audios from their representatives on WhatsApp. They asked the users to be calm and told them that they would continue working.
Acácio, through a spokesman, said that he considered that what happened would generate a commotion among all those involved. However, he asked for patience because he knew they would get through that situation.
The owner of GAS told his spokesperson to convey confidence to his customers, especially new ones.
However, the company in question does not have a website or social networks, and the phone available in the Tax Service is out of service.
Acácio Goes from Being a Waiter to a Millionaire in 7 Years
Acácio worked as a waiter in a restaurant until 2014 and accumulated a fortune of over USD 30 million 7 years later.
He lived a luxurious life in mansions with his wife but did not go public on social media.
Acácio’s lawyer considers that the arrest of the businessman was a surprise for him and those involved. Although having BRL 20 million may be an exaggeration, that does not necessarily mean that the money comes from illegal activity, he said.
There are Street Protests in Favor of the Businessman
Among those taking to the streets to protest demanding Acácio’s freedom were many GAS investors and consultants. Most of them crowded in front of the Red Globo television channel to expose the case of the alleged Ponzi scheme.
The investors said that neither Acácio nor the company had committed any crime. They argued that the firm had paid them their funds on time and even in advance while operating. Of course, the authorities must decide what will happen to those arrested.
By Alexander Salazar
