Investigators in Operation Carbono Oculto have identified over 1,000 fuel stations across various states linked to businessmen Roberto Augusto Leme da Silva, known as Beto Louco, and Mohamad Hussein Mourad, called Primo. The operation probes organized crime infiltration into the fuel sector and financial markets. Initially, around 300 outlets were flagged, but analyses uncovered a 'gigantic' volume of additional networks.
Operation Carbono Oculto, deemed Brazil's largest task force against organized crime, involves Gaeco from São Paulo's Public Prosecutor's Office, the Federal Revenue Service, and Federal Police support. Over 350 targets, including individuals and companies, face probes for crimes such as fuel adulteration, money laundering, and tax fraud.
Primo is portrayed as the 'epicenter of operations,' overseeing the fuel production chain via shell companies, stations, and real estate investment funds. Beto Louco would handle accounting frauds and finances to shield the group's assets. Station mapping nears completion, cross-referencing telematics data and BK Bank finances.
A Piauí case spawned Operation Carbono 86, uncovering R$5 billion laundering tied to PCC at stations in Piauí, Maranhão, and Tocantins. On March 25, Piauí's Public Prosecutor's Office indicted 12 people, including Beto Louco and Primo.
Beto Louco's lawyer, Celso Vilardi, denied the reports in a statement, saying they are unfounded and unknown to him. Primo's defense was not reached. BK Bank stated it holds no active accounts for the investigated parties and rejects 'pocket accounts' or any organized crime ties.
