Brazil federal police gained access to an accountant’s iCloud backup, which helped them uncover a $320 million money laundering operation. Key members of the group included musicians and online influencers.
When the Brazil feds arrested accountant Rodrigo Morgado as part of an investigation into illegal gambling and international drug trafficking, they also gained access to Morgado’s iCloud backup.
As reported by 9to5mac, that backup contained a treasure trove of information that led to 39 temporary arrest warrants and 45 search and seizure warrants in eight states and Brazil’s federal district.
Cops told Brazilian publication G1 that Rodrigo Morgado “placed great trust in the digital security of iCloud, which ultimately allowed the Federal Police to map the organization.”
Cops say the backup data allowed them to track how the group laundered their ill-gotten gains, funneling it through illegal betting, cryptocurrencies, drug trafficking, and other traditional methods to clean cash.
By cross-referencing financial documents, bank statements, contracts, conversations, corporate records, receipts, legal documents, and more, the top cops were able to map the relationship between the members of the scheme.
Police say musicians MC Ryan SP and MC Poze do Rodo were both key figures in the scheme and were arrested. Also picked up by the cops were influencers Raphael Sousa Oliveira and Chrys Dias.
With the arrests, authorities were also allowed to seize several luxury cars, electronic devices, cash, documents, weapons, and other property from alleged members of the scam. Warrants have also been issued, giving the Brazilian Feds access to any data stored on the seized devices, as well as the data on any connected iCloud or Google Drive accounts. The hope is that the new data will lead cops to additional co-conspirators and more seizures of funds and property.
