Brazilian fuel-station owners have told prosecutors they were forced to sell their businesses under death threats as part of an alleged money laundering network run by the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), one of the country’s most powerful criminal organizations.
According to testimony aired by TV program Fantástico, the group used gas stations to wash billions of reais while intimidating owners and leaving them legally exposed. One victim recalled the warning he heard before surrendering his station: “You’re going to sell the station the easy way or the hard way.”
Victims Describe Intimidation and Financial Losses
Statements collected by the Public Prosecutor’s Office reveal that many owners never received the amounts promised and later faced criminal charges for fraud committed by the gang. One businessman said his signature was forged on contracts and that he is still negotiating with banks to settle debts left by the scheme.
According to the victim, Alexandre Leal initially appeared as the buyer, and later the station was transferred to Wilson Pereira Júnior, known as “Wilsinho.” Prosecutors allege Wilson was a partner of Flávio Silvério Siqueira, identified as one of the main beneficiaries of the criminal network.
In response to g1, Siqueira’s lawyer said his client “has no contact with anyone from the PCC” and that the faction “deals with crime, not motels or other businesses.” Wilson’s defense stated that he “has not been formally served” and will provide clarifications to authorities. Attorneys for Alexandre Leal could not be reached.
One businessman told prosecutors he was already in debt when he agreed to sell his station, only to discover later that the buyers were tied to the PCC. He said the payment never came and that when he tried to cancel the deal, intimidation began. “He started saying: ‘There are fathers killing sons over money. Sons killing fathers over money. People are killed easily over money.’”
According to prosecutor Sílvio Loubeh, the gang kept the stations in the original owners’ names while selling adulterated fuel, making them legally responsible:
“These people were victims twice. First, because they didn’t get paid, and then because they were held liable for crimes committed.” Other testimonies describe how the scheme wiped out their livelihoods. “I lost my bread and butter. And then you get desperate,” one victim said. Another added: “I knew I would go under financially, that my life would be ruined. But at least I’m still alive.”