Brazilian Police Seize $28.8M in Crypto: Report

The investigation, dubbed “Operation Kryptos,” involved an alleged financial pyramid scheme.

AccessTimeIconAug 26, 2021 at 2:37 p.m. UTC
Updated May 11, 2023 at 7:02 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Brazilian Federal Police seized R$150 million ($28.8 million) in crypto assets and made five arrests after cracking down on an alleged financial pyramid scheme, according to a CNN Brazil report.

  • Police carried out 15 search warrants and also seized R$19 million ($3.6 million) in cash, 21 luxury vehicles, high-end watches and jewelry on Wednesday, CNN said.
  • The operation dubbed “Operation Kryptos” involved police investigating an alleged financial pyramid scheme.
  • Police made five arrests, including Glaidson Acácio dos Santos, the owner of a bitcoin consultancy based in the Lakes Region of Rio de Janeiro. He has a custody hearing today.
  • His defense team released the following statement to CNN: “Glaidson Acácio’s defense is aware of the arrest and so far without access to the contents of the investigations. Only after proper analysis of all documentation will we be able to express ourselves in a concrete manner.”
  • In July, Brazil’s civil police seized $33 million in an investigation into money laundering carried out through crypto exchanges in Sao Paulo and Diadema.
  • Understanding the Success of Spot Bitcoin ETFs in Brazil
    06:12
    Understanding the Success of Spot Bitcoin ETFs in Brazil
  • Understanding the Success of Spot Bitcoin ETFs in Brazil
    06:12
    Understanding the Success of Spot Bitcoin ETFs in Brazil
  • Most Influential 2023: The People Who Defined the Year in Crypto
    07:58
    Most Influential 2023: The People Who Defined the Year in Crypto
  • Hashdex CEO Discusses Brazil's 'Sophisticated' Market for Crypto
    01:15
    Hashdex CEO Discusses Brazil's 'Sophisticated' Market for Crypto
  • Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

    Tanzeel Akhtar

    Tanzeel Akhtar is a reporter based in London,UK.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.



    Read more about