In search of evidence of the authorship and materiality of money laundering crimes through international drug trafficking and criminal organizations, the Federal Police of Itajaí, north coast of Santa Catarina, launched Operation Citrus Sinensis this Wednesday morning (14).

As part of the action, five search and seizure warrants are being executed to detect the acquisition of at least six properties in the cities of Peña, Balneario Pizarras and Navegantes.

Real estate bought with oranges targeted by the Federal Police – Photo: Reproduction/PF

The investigation began with the discovery of a connection between these objects and one of the members of the criminal organization of international drug trafficking, liquidated during Operation Coroa in 2021.

Oranges “acquired” real estate

The PF also found that these properties are registered to third parties who do not have financial capabilities, so they will be used as “oranges” by the criminal organization.

The acquisitions were made in 2019 and 2020, and in addition to search and seizure warrants, the court also issued judgments of theft and inaccessibility of property.

The operation name Citrus sinensis refers to the scientific name of the orange variety.