The Brazilian Federal Police seized 591 bitcoins, valued at USD 27 million, as a result of an investigation into GAS Consultoria Bitcoin, a company that allegedly operated under a Ponzi scheme.
During the Operation Kryptos, as the plan was called, also seized 13.8 million Brazilian reais (USD 2.6 million) . Likewise, they obtained 100 pounds sterling, dollars and euros.
They also seized 21 luxury vehicles , several high-value watches and jewelry, according to reported by the Brazilian police on August 25th.
According to the police agency this could be the largest seizure of bitcoin and other assets that have done so far.
The company had its headquarters in the Lagos Region, Rio de Janeiro. From there they established a network in which they made public offers with an investment contract, offering returns of 10% of the amount invested by clients.
In addition, GAS did not have prior registration with the cryptocurrency regulatory bodies in Brazil.
The operation was carried out carried out in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Ceará and the Federal District, where five people were arrested. Among those arrested is Glaidson Acácio, owner of a bitcoin consultancy.
Both Acácio and the rest of those involved face charges for the alleged crimes of fraudulent and reckless management of clandestine financial institution, illegal issuance of securities without prior registration, criminal organization and money laundering. If convicted, they could spend 26 years behind bars.
The police also explained that, Acácio with his company mobilized during the last six years, the financial transactions of the company amounted to approximately USD 30 million . Half of the transactions occurred during the last 12 months.
Calm investors
After Acácio’s arrest, investors received audios in WhatsApp groups, created in order to calm GAS users, according to the local press.
In the audios, a representative of Glaidson Acácio assured that they would continue working. “The work of GAS does not depend on Glaidson, as he himself said in the last meeting, we will move on.”
Glaidson’s call, through a spokesperson, is that he considers it natural that what happened generate commotion among all involved , but asked for patience because they have the “certainty and conviction” that they will overcome this trance.
«Give our customers confidence. Be patient, especially with new customers, “Glaidson told a GAS spokesperson.
It is noteworthy that the company does not have a website or networks and the phone available in the Brazilian Tax Service is out of service.
From waiter to millionaire
Acácio, until 2014 he worked in a restaurant as a waiter and 7 years later he amassed a fortune of more than USD 30 million, A Brazilian media reported.
Married to the Venezuelan Mirelis Díaz Zerpa, Acácio led a luxurious life with mansions, but with almost no public exposure on social media.
His lawyer considers that the arrest of the businessman was a surprise. He acknowledged that having 20 million reais may be an exaggeration, but they cannot say that it comes from an illegal activity.
Protests in favor of the employer
Many GAS investors and consultants took to the streets to ask for Acácio’s freedom. Specifically, they crowded the doors of the Red Globo television channel for exposing the alleged Ponzi scheme.
Investors assure that neither Acácio nor the company have committed any crime, because it has paid them the funds on time and even in advance in all the years it has been operating.
«We want Acácio to be released, we are here in front of the filth of Red Globo, in protest against Globo, Globo distorts every information. GAS in 9 years has always paid well, we are a family, “said one of the protesters.
