A series of recent raids in Paraguay and Brazil have exposed a significant illegal arms dealing ring operating between Europe and South America. The Brazilian Federal Police, in a press release, disclosed that the manufacturers of these weapons were located in Croatia, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia.
According to VICE News, the weapons were primarily sourced from European countries such as Croatia, Turkey, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. These arms were procured through a Paraguay-based enterprise named International Auto Supply. This company is reportedly operated by an Argentine individual who managed to secure expedited authorizations for weapon transportation via DIMABEL - a division of Paraguay’s armed forces responsible for weapon importation and distribution.
The Federal Police revealed that since the onset of their investigations, International Auto Supply is suspected to have imported around 43,000 weapons into Paraguay. This operation equates to approximately $242 million over three years. During this period, authorities carried out 67 seizures which resulted in the confiscation of 659 weapons within Brazilian territory.
VICE News reported that authorities in Paraguay and Brazil arrested thirteen individuals involved in this scheme. Among them are Bienvenido Fretes, the former director of DIMABEL, and Arturo González, ex-head of Paraguay’s air force. Diego Dirisio, president of the company believed to be behind this plot along with his wife Julieta Nardi are currently evading authorities and are wanted for questioning.
Upon arrival in South America according to VICE News, these weapons had their serial numbers removed before being sold off to some major gangs in Brazil. While Paraguayan and Brazilian officials did not disclose the identities of these gangs receiving the weapons; a video released by Paraguayan authorities featured imagery believed to be associated with First Capital Command (PCC). PCC is considered the largest gang in South America with a substantial presence in Paraguay.
In another report by VICE News, it was revealed that the year-long investigation into this arms trafficking ring involved the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The publication also claimed that funds from this illegal operation were laundered through the United States.
