Five individuals have been charged in connection with a large-scale money laundering scheme involving tens of millions of dollars, including drug proceeds. Four Brazilian nationals—Ygor Fokin Saviolli, Gabriel Cezar Menezes, Joao Andrade De Mello, and Leandro De Avila Goncalves—along with Omar Aliperti De Mello Correa, are accused of participating in a criminal organization that laundered illicit cash across the United States and other countries.
According to court documents, the defendants acted as facilitators and couriers by depositing substantial amounts of illegal cash into U.S. financial institutions. This process allegedly helped conceal the origins of the funds and allowed profits to be returned to sources involved in drug supply networks. Authorities state that over $30 million was concealed through these activities.
Each defendant faces charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. If convicted, Saviolli, Menezes, Andrade De Mello, and De Avila Goncalves could also face removal proceedings from the United States.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and FBI Miami Field Office Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles.
The FBI Miami is leading the investigation with support from several agencies: the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Rochester Office, Homeland Security Investigation’s offices in Miami and Brasilia, and FBI Orlando.
Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Monique Botero for the Southern District of Florida along with Trial Attorneys James Hepburn and Jessee Alexander-Hoeppner from the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Gonzalez for the Western District of New York is also assisting.
"An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
For more details or related court documents regarding this case (number 25-cr-60161), information can be accessed via the District Court for the Southern District of Florida's website at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or through http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
