Police Say Influencer Had Plan to Hide Assets Linked to Brazil Gang

Brazilian police say they found a 12-page corporate planning document at the home of Deolane Bezerra, a lawyer and digital influencer under investigation for allegedly helping launder money tied to the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), Brazil’s largest prison-born criminal faction.

According to Estadão, investigators described the document, titled “Strategic Schedule and Corporate Structuring — Deolane Group,” as more than an administrative file. Police said it outlined steps, deadlines and companies allegedly used to hide the origin of money and reinsert it into the formal economy.

What Police Allege

The São Paulo Civil Police indicted Bezerra on suspicion of criminal organization and money laundering after Operation Vérnix, an investigation led from Presidente Venceslau, a city in western São Paulo state known for housing high-security prisons. The inquiry targets an alleged asset-concealment network linked to Marco Willians Herbas Camacho, known as Marcola, whom authorities identify as the top PCC leader.

Brazilian outlets reported different totals for the indictments. G1 said Bezerra and six others were indicted. Estadão later reported that Bezerra and seven other suspects, including Marcola and relatives of his, were indicted on May 29. The discrepancy has not been explained in the source material.

Investigators say the alleged structure involved shell companies, corporate holdings, advertising, cosmetics and administrative-support firms. One company linked to Bezerra, DB Santos Apoio Administrativo e Financeiro Ltda, had previously been registered at what police described as a front address in Martinópolis, about 440 km (273 miles) from São Paulo city. Police said its registered address was formally changed on April 22, 2026, to São Paulo’s east side.

Luxury Assets Seized

Police said searches at Bezerra’s home in the gated Tamboré area of Greater São Paulo uncovered luxury vehicles, jewelry, watches, cash, foreign currency, electronics and documents. Estadão reported that seized vehicles included a Mercedes-Benz AMG G63, a Jeep Commander Limited, a Cadillac Escalade and a Land Rover Range Rover P530, registered under different companies.

Investigators also reported seizing 19 luxury watches, 40 pieces of jewelry, R$51,400 in cash and €1,550. A Cadillac Escalade was valued by police at about R$2 million, roughly USD 370,000 at recent rates. SBT News reported that seven seized cars were valued at almost R$10 million, or roughly USD 1.8 million.

Agência Brasil, covering the first phase of the operation on May 21, reported that a court ordered the freezing of R$327 million, roughly USD 60 million, and the seizure of 17 vehicles and four properties tied to suspects.

Defense Denies Link

Bezerra has denied any relationship with the PCC. Her lawyers told Estadão they were reviewing the police’s complementary final report. G1 reported that her defense says there is no direct proof of criminal conduct, and that Bezerra remained silent during questioning on legal advice.

The defense of Marcola, through lawyer Bruno Ferullo, told Estadão that an indictment is an investigative act and does not amount to recognition of guilt.

The investigation began in 2019 after notes and handwritten messages were seized at Presidente Venceslau II Penitentiary, according to Agência Brasil. Authorities said the material led them to a company in the region that they later described as a financial arm used to launder money for the faction.

Police say analysis of seized materials is still under way and could lead to further measures. G1 reported that information was also shared with Brazil’s Federal Police after signs of possible tax crimes were identified.