The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on a Brazilian criminal network linked to Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), Latin America’s largest transnational criminal organization, for exploiting the US financial system to launder drug trafficking proceeds.
Treasury Designation Details
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Brazilian nationals, three Brazilian companies, and one Portuguese company on July 1, 2026, for their connections to PCC’s money laundering operations. The action targets a network operating from Florida and São Paulo, Brazil, that has laundered more than $30 million in illicit proceeds generated in and around multiple US cities, utilizing cryptocurrency to move funds back to Brazil on behalf of PCC.
The designated individuals are Victor Henrique de Oliveira Shimada (Shimada) and Stella Stefanie Nunes Henrique de Oliveira (Stella). Shimada has been identified as a key link between Florida-based PCC operatives and foreign drug traffickers. Stella is described as a close associate and relative of Shimada who worked as his secretary and served as a broker for bulk cash pickups, providing critical logistical services supporting the laundering operations.
Companies Targeted
The sanctioned entities include:
- Victory Trading Intermediacão De Negocios Cobrancas E Tecnologia Ltda (Victory Trading) – a São Paulo-based financial services company
- Pixwave Solucoes De Pagamentos Ltda (Pixwave) – a São Paulo-based construction company
- Wave Construcoes Inteligentes Ltda (Wave) – a São Paulo-based financial services company
- Avenidas Flutuantes Unipessoal Lda – a transportation and storage company based near Lisbon, Portugal
All four companies are being designated for being owned, controlled, or directed by Shimada.
Official Statements
Gene Lange, performing the duties of Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated: “This designation is another step by the United States government to address and acknowledge the increasing presence of Primeiro Comando da Capital’s illicit revenue generation within our borders.” He added: “Organized crime within the Western Hemisphere must not be allowed to establish operations on American soil that contribute to criminality and lawlessness.”
The Treasury Department noted that PCC represents a significant threat to US national security, with operatives throughout the United States, particularly in Florida, laundering drug proceeds and contributing to a cycle of criminality.
PCC’s Growing Threat
PCC is described as the largest transnational criminal organization (TCO) in the Western Hemisphere, having expanded its operations globally in recent years with significant presence in countries including the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Japan. Networks such as the one targeted engage in drug trafficking, bulk cash smuggling for cartels, and other illicit activities to generate revenue streams for PCC.
Recent law enforcement actions by Brazilian authorities revealed a PCC-controlled trade-based money laundering operation utilizing a Chinese electronics distribution network and Chinese e-commerce platform to launder more than $190 million over seven months.
Law Enforcement Coordination
Today’s action reflects the culmination of a coordinated Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF)-led investigation involving the FBI’s Miami Field Office and the DOJ’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section. In January 2026, the FBI arrested six members of the Florida-based group who have been indicted on money laundering charges in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Today’s OFAC action targets the São Paulo-based node of the network.
The action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 14059, which targets the proliferation of illicit drugs and their means of production, as well as Executive Order 13224, as amended, which targets terrorists and their supporters.
Previous OFAC Actions
This marks OFAC’s third action against PCC and its operatives. On March 14, 2024, OFAC designated Diego Macedo Gonçalves do Carmo for his significant role in laundering substantial sums for PCC. On December 15, 2021, OFAC designated PCC as an organization pursuant to Executive Order 14059.
Sanctions Implications
As a result of this action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons that are in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Any entities owned 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.
Unless authorized by OFAC license or exempt, US sanctions regulations generally prohibit all transactions by US persons or within (or transiting) the United States involving any property or interests in property of blocked persons. Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties on US and foreign persons.