Son of the former governor of RJ Sérgio Cabral presents himself to the PF and is arrested

Son of the former governor of Rio de Janeiro Sérgio Cabral, José Eduardo Neves Cabral presented himself to the Federal Police this Thursday (24th) and was arrested.

José Eduardo Neves Cabral was wanted since Wednesday (23rd), as one of the main targets of the Smoke Free operation, launched by the Federal Police and the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, with the objective of investigating the illegal trade of cigarettes.

The prisoner’s lawyer, Rafael Kullmann, reported that he should speak out soon.

Around 300 federal police officers worked to execute 27 arrest warrants and 50 search and seizure warrants.

With the presentation of the former governor’s son, so far, the balance of the operation is 13 prisoners, about R$ 400 thousand in cash seized, in addition to thousands of illegal cigarettes, luxury vehicles, jewelry, media, cell phones, computers and documents.

The Federal Police informed that the search continues to locate the other targets.

How does the criminal organization work, according to the investigations?

The operation named Smoke Free identified that, between 2019 and 2022, the criminal group would have transported and sold cigarettes coming from crime in territories dominated by factions and militias. The gang would also have laundered business money, sending large sums abroad.

The financial part would be dominated by a group already investigated and known debtor of the Union, with a debt of BRL 2 billion with the Union, according to the Attorney General of the National Treasury.

To ensure the group’s safety, there was a parallel cell coordinated by a PF agent, with the support of military police and firefighters.

Those investigated may respond for tax evasion, simulated duplicate, qualified reception, active and passive corruption, money laundering and currency evasion. If convicted, they could face a minimum sentence of 66 (sixty-six) years in prison.