Operation 'Promised Land' targets cyber fraud group after victim loses R$250,000 in property scam

A police operation carried out on Thursday (4 December) executed search and seizure warrants against a group from Mato Grosso suspected of carrying out online scams. One victim, a resident of Palmas, lost approximately R$250,000 through electronic fraud.

According to the Civil Police of Tocantins, at least 13 people, all from the neighbouring state, are believed to be involved in the scam that targeted a victim in the capital. The operation, named 'Terra Prometida' (Promised Land), involved the Specialised Division for the Repression of Cyber Crimes (DRCC).

Modus Operandi and Police Investigation

The scam, according to the police, worked by luring victims into purchasing properties online, such as plots of land, under the belief they were securing a good deal. The suspects posed as owners of land that was for sale. Police believe the group defrauded a large number of victims, based on the financial transactions tracked.

Delegate Luciana Midlej, leading the investigation, stated that what drew the investigators' attention was the large volume of money moving through the suspects' bank accounts. "What caught the DRCC team's attention were the financial movements of some targets, in which we found a large volume of money coming in and out in a single month. In some accounts, around R$500,000 was moved by people who do not have a compatible income," she explained.

Operation Details and Next Steps

During the operation, mobile phones were seized and suspects gave statements. Police will now analyse the content of the devices and investigate whether more people are involved in the cybercrime scheme.

The DRCC teams were supported by divisions of Police Intelligence, Repression of Crimes Against the Tax System, and Rural Crimes and Cattle Rustling, in addition to civil police officers from Mato Grosso.

The investigation continues as authorities work to identify other potential victims and trace the full extent of the fraudulent network's activities.