The orchestrator of the Brazilian cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme Braiscompany, Joel Ferreira de Souza, has been sentenced to 128 years, five months, and 28 days in prison, according to local media.
The court found him guilty of 11 counts of money laundering. Braiscompany attracted over $189 million from 20,000 investors.
The case involved two other individuals. Jesana Rayane Silva, who worked as a broker for the company and handled cash transportation, was sentenced to 27 years, 10 months, and 10 days in prison.
Victor Augusto Veronez de Souza, Joel’s son, facilitated illegal financial operations. He received a 15-year prison sentence.
Two other defendants were acquitted due to a lack of evidence.
In March 2024, Braiscompany founder Inacio Da Silva Neto and his wife Farias Campos were arrested in Argentina. They were sentenced to 88 and 61 years in prison, respectively.