The United States government announced sanctions on Wednesday (1) against Victor Henrique de Oliveira Shimada and Stella Stefanie Nunes Henrique de Oliveira over suspected involvement in a PCC money laundering scheme.
The measures, imposed by the Treasury Department, block assets in the US and prohibit transactions with American citizens. Shimada is identified as the main link between PCC operators in Florida and international traffickers, having laundered over US$ 30 million via cryptocurrencies.
Three companies based in São Paulo and one Portuguese firm were also sanctioned. They are said to be controlled by Shimada and used to hide trafficking proceeds. Stella is described as Shimada’s relative and secretary, providing support to the operations.
Shimada is a defendant in a case over irregularities in the Corinthians sponsorship deal with VaideBet. He was previously sentenced to five years in prison for diverting R$ 35 million from Banco Votorantim. His lawyers resigned after the sanctions announcement.
The PCC was designated a terrorist group by the US in May. The sanctions rely on executive orders targeting drug trafficking and terrorism.
