The Federal Police in Pernambuco arrested, on the morning of last Wednesday (31), in Boa Viagem, in the south of Recife, a businessman in the food industry suspected of leading a criminal organization.
The group would be responsible for moving, in the last five years, more than R$70 million in money laundering, in addition to being suspected of tax evasion, illegal possession of firearms and loan sharking.
According to the investigation, Xinxa Goes de Siqueira, known as “Xinxa da Cebola” or “Rei da Cebola”, headed a criminal scheme that operated in the states of Pernambuco, Fortaleza and São Paulo.
During the police investigation, financial movements by suspects linked to him were identified, which were unusual for legal entities and individuals. With the conclusion of the investigation, it was proven that the organization had moved around R$70 million reais, of illicit origin, in the practice of various crimes.
This Wednesday (31), a preventive arrest warrant and nine search and seizure warrants at commercial and residential addresses of individuals participating in the businessman’s scheme were served in Boa Viagem, Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Paudalho, Cabrobó, Recife and Fortaleza, in Ceará.
In Fortaleza, capital of Ceará, the group owned a high-end vehicle store, which according to the PF, was used as a front for money laundering.
After checking the cash registers at the establishment, the police confirmed that there was no financial activity at the location. The store was in the name of a third party, used as a “front man”, linked to Xinxa.
In addition to the freezing of funds belonging to those under investigation, luxury vehicles were also seized. According to the Federal Police in Pernambuco, the combined value of the cars exceeds R$30 million.
“Onion Xinxa”
According to delegate Márcio Tenório, who was leading the investigations, Xinxa Goes de Siqueira, known as “Xinxa da Cebola” or “Rei da Cebola”, is a businessman in the fruit and vegetable sector, considered one of the largest suppliers of vegetables in the Northeast.
In parallel with the work he carried out, he led the criminal organization that moved large amounts of money outside the standard considered for legal entities and individuals.
According to authorities, the suspect has a standard of living that is completely incompatible with his declared income and assets, which has raised suspicions on the part of the police.
With more than 270 thousand followers on just one social network, Xinxa da Cebola frequently showed off records of a life of luxury with photos showing off Ferrari cars, luxurious properties, boats and even helicopters.
Investigations also revealed that the businessman used his position as a Collector, Sports Shooter and Hunter (CAC) to lend and rent his weapons to acquaintances.
In addition to the businessman, the other suspects involved in the illegal scheme must answer for the crimes of money laundering, criminal organization, tax evasion, illegal possession of firearms and usury/loan sharking. Together, the sentences can exceed 30 years in prison.
*Under supervision of Bruno Laforé
Source: CNN Brasil
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