São Paulo Court Orders Release of Transwolff President Accused of Money Laundering for PCC

The São Paulo State Court of Justice has ordered the release of Luiz Carlos Efigênio Pacheco, also known as Pandora, the president of Transwolff bus company. Pacheco, who was arrested on April 9, 2022, on charges of money laundering for the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) criminal organization, will now be able to respond to the charges in freedom.

Pandora was transferred to Presidente Venceslau Penitentiary on April 30, 2022. The court's decision to grant habeas corpus was based on the complexity of the case and the need for equal treatment with seven other defendants who are currently free. The ruling also benefits Robson Flares Lopes Pontes, Pandora's co-defendant, and may extend to a detained accountant.

Why this matters: The release of Luiz Carlos Efigênio Pacheco, aka Pandora, has significant implications for the ongoing investigation into money laundering activities linked to the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) criminal organization. The outcome of this case may have consequences for the broader fight against organized crime and corruption in Brazil.

The investigation into Pandora's alleged involvement with the PCC began in 2006. He is accused of receiving orders from Antônio José Muller Júnior, also known as Granada, a high-ranking PCC member. In 2019, the São Paulo State Prosecutor's Office (MP SP) accused Pandora and others of hiding R$54 million in capital investments from the PCC through a shell company.

The MP SP alleges that the funds were derived from drug trafficking and that Pandora used the money to finance the rescue of a detainee from a prison in Santo André. Additionally, the MP SP is investigating whether police officers from the Rota Ostensivas Tobias de Aguiar (ROTA) provided private security services to Transwolff, including escorting Pandora and other directors.

During Operation Fim de Linha, authorities seized approximately 800 rounds of ammunition, cash (R$ 161,000 and US$ 3,290), two gold bars, jewelry, watches, and documents. Pacheco and Lopes are accused of being part of a scheme in which Transwolff received money from the PCC to bid on São Paulo City Hall contracts, thereby laundering money obtained through drug trafficking and robberies.

The São Paulo Public Ministry estimates that Transwolff and UPBus received R$ 800 million from the city hall in recent years. The companies transport 350,000 passengers daily in São Paulo. The Ministry of Public Prosecution is also investigating whether politicians were involved in the scheme.

The court's decision to release Pandora and Lopes has been met with opposition from the São Paulo Public Ministry, which announced it will appeal the ruling. The Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration (SAP) stated that the release order has not been executed yet, as it has not been received by the penitentiary unit.

Pandora's defense confirmed his release and stated that they had requested a habeas corpus for their client. The court's decision allows Pandora and Lopes to respond to the charges in freedom while the investigation continues.

The release of Luiz Carlos Efigênio Pacheco, also known as Pandora, marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering activities linked to the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) criminal organization. Legal proceedings unfolding, the São Paulo Public Ministry's appeal and further investigations will determine the next steps in this complex case.

Key Takeaways

• Luis Carlos Efigênio Pacheco, aka Pandora, released from prison on habeas corpus.
• Pacheco, Transwolff bus company president, accused of money laundering for PCC criminal organization.
• Investigation alleges PCC funds laundered through shell company, used for drug trafficking and prison break.
• Transwolff received R$800 million from São Paulo City Hall, allegedly laundered money from PCC.
• São Paulo Public Ministry to appeal release, investigation ongoing into politicians' involvement.