Key facts
- Twenty-two people have been charged in Brazil for allegedly operating a money-laundering network for criminal groups.
- The network moved millions of reais through recently established shell companies.
- Techniques employed included structured deposits and the use of accountants to disguise illicit funds.
- Suspects included Lebanese nationals.
- The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking to identify additional suspects.
Rio de Janeiro prosecutors have charged 22 individuals with operating a sophisticated money-laundering network for Brazilian criminal groups. Authorities announced on Wednesday that the network had moved millions of reais through recently established shell companies, employing techniques such as structured deposits and the recruitment of accountants to obscure the origin of illicit funds.