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The Brazilian Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang – A Cybercriminal Group Attacking The Financial Infrastructure Of Brazil & Latin America
Cavalcante Gang: In the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime, criminal organizations continually adapt, growing more sophisticated and elusive. The Cavalcante cybercrime gang, based in Brazil, is a noteworthy example of a criminal organization that has successfully navigated the digital realm to commit a wide range of cybercrimes. This article explores the origins, history, organization, operational methods, and criminal activities of the Cavalcante cybercrime gang.
What is the Cavalcante Cybercrime Organization
The Cavalcante Gang was a Brazilian criminal organization that was involved in a massive online fraud scheme that targeted Brazilian banks. The gang stole over R$100 million (USD $20,000,000.00) from Brazilian banks before being arrested in 2022.
In one phishing scam, the gang would send emails to Brazilian citizens that appeared to be from a legitimate Brazilian bank. The emails would contain a link to a fake website that looked like the real bank’s website. When the victim clicked on the link and entered their personal information, the gang would steal their login credentials.
In another scam, the gang would steal people’s identities and then use those identities to open bank accounts and credit card accounts. The gang would then use these accounts to defraud banks and retailers.
Members of the Cavalcante Gang were finally arrested in 2022 after a long-term investigation by Brazilian and American law enforcement agencies.
The Cavalcante Gang is one of many criminal organizations that are involved in online fraud in Brazil. Online fraud is a major problem in Brazil, and it costs the Brazilian economy billions of dollars each year. The Brazilian government is working to combat online fraud, but it is a difficult challenge.
Cavalcante History
The Cavalcante cybercrime gang is named after its elusive leader, Jorge Cavalcante, who has successfully evaded law enforcement for years.
The group’s origins can be traced back to the early 2000s when it primarily engaged in low-level cybercrimes such as phishing and credit card fraud. Over time, the organization expanded its operations, delving into more sophisticated forms of cybercrime.
Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang Locations
The Cavalcante Gang was located in Brazil, specifically in the city of São Paulo. However, the gang’s members were spread out all over Brazil and in other countries, such as the United States.
How Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang Organized
Below Cavalcante were a number of lieutenants, who were responsible for managing specific aspects of the gang’s operations, such as phishing scams, identity theft, and money laundering. The lieutenants reported directly to Cavalcante, and they were responsible for recruiting and managing lower-level gang members.
Lower-level gang members are responsible for carrying out the day-to-day tasks of the gang, such as sending phishing emails, stealing identities, and laundering money.
The Cavalcante Gang was a very organized and disciplined criminal organization. The gang had a clear hierarchy, and all members of the gang were expected to follow Cavalcante’s orders.
The gang also had a number of security measures in place to protect its members from law enforcement. For example, the gang used encrypted communication channels and frequently changed its operating procedures.
The Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang is a Threat to Public Safety Worldwide
The Cavalcante Gang used a variety of methods to defraud Brazilian banks, including phishing scams, identity theft, and investment fraud. The gang would often target vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or low-income individuals.
The Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang is a highly organized and sophisticated criminal group that is involved in a wide range of crimes, including:
- Cybercrime: The Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang is best known for its sophisticated and targeted cyberattacks against financial institutions, primarily banks. The group typically uses a combination of phishing and malware to gain access to bank systems. Once the group has access to a bank’s system, they will then steal money by transferring it to their own accounts or by using fraudulent ATM withdrawals.
- Phishing Attacks: The gang has perfected the art of crafting convincing phishing emails and websites to trick individuals and organizations into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials and credit card details.
- Ransomware: They have developed and deployed their ransomware strains, holding victims’ data hostage until a ransom is paid.
- Cryptocurrency Exploitation: The gang takes advantage of cryptocurrency’s supposed anonymity to facilitate their operations, including ransom payments.
- Bank fraud: The Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang has been responsible for stealing millions of dollars from banks around the world. In 2017, the group was responsible for a series of attacks against banks in Russia and Europe that resulted in the theft of over $100 million. In 2018, the group was responsible for an attack against a bank in the United States that resulted in the theft of over $20 million.
- Wire fraud: The Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang is also involved in wire fraud scams. In these scams, the group will trick people into sending them money by wire transfer. The group often uses phishing emails to target their victims.
- Identity theft: The Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang is also involved in identity theft scams. In these scams, the group will steal people’s personal information, such as their Social Security numbers and bank account numbers. The group may then use this information to commit fraud or to sell it to other criminals.
- Money laundering: The Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang is also involved in money laundering. Money laundering is the process of making illegally gained proceeds (i.e. “dirty money”) appear legal (i.e. “clean”). The group often uses money laundering schemes to conceal the proceeds of their crimes.
Challenges and Law Enforcement Response
The Cavalcante gang presents a formidable challenge to law enforcement agencies in Brazil and around the world. Their ability to adapt, diversify their cybercrimes, and consistently evade capture has made them a persistent threat. While Brazilian authorities have taken steps to combat cybercrime, the transnational nature of the Cavalcante gang’s operations makes it difficult to bring them to justice.
In recent years, international cooperation and information sharing among law enforcement agencies have improved, leading to some successes in disrupting the gang’s operations. However, the Cavalcante gang remains an active and dangerous criminal organization.
Brazilian & U.S. Law Enforcement Operation
A Brazilian police operation launched in 2022 to combat cybercrime, has targeted a wide range of gangs and criminal organizations. Some of the principal targets of the operation include:
- Gangs involved in online fraud: These gangs use a variety of methods to defraud Brazilians, such as phishing scams, identity theft, and investment fraud.
- Gangs involved in hacking: These gangs hack into computer systems and steal personal data, financial information, and other valuable data.
- Gangs involved in child pornography: These gangs produce, distribute, and possess child pornography.
The following are some specific examples of gangs that have been targeted by Operation Magalhaes:
- The Cavalcante Gang: This gang was involved in a massive online fraud scheme that targeted Brazilian banks. The gang stole over R$100 million from Brazilian banks before being arrested in 2022.
- The BlackHat Gang: This gang was involved in a series of high-profile hacks of Brazilian government and corporate websites. The gang was arrested in 2023.
- The Child Porn Gang: This gang was involved in the production and distribution of child pornography. The gang was arrested in 2022 after a long-term investigation by Brazilian police.
These are ongoing operations, and new targets are being identified all the time. The operation has been successful in disrupting the activities of cybercrime gangs and protecting Brazilians from online threats.
See below for more on Operation Magalhaes
Summary
The Cavalcante Gang is also a reminder of the dangers of online fraud. These gangs are constantly developing new and innovative ways to defraud people. It is important to be aware of the latest online scams and to take steps to protect yourself from fraud.
The Cavalcante Gang is a good example of how cybercrime gangs are becoming increasingly sophisticated and organized. These gangs are no longer just made up of a few individuals working together. Instead, they are now well-organized and disciplined criminal organizations with a clear hierarchy and a variety of security measures in place.
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Table of Contents
- Transnational Organized Criminal Enterprise from Brazil Profile
- The Brazilian Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang – A Cybercriminal Group Attacking The Financial Infrastructure Of Brazil & Latin America
- What is the Cavalcante Cybercrime Organization
- Cavalcante History
- Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang Locations
- How Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang Organized
- The Cavalcante Cybercrime Gang is a Threat to Public Safety Worldwide
- Challenges and Law Enforcement Response
- Brazilian & U.S. Law Enforcement Operation
- Summary
- More:
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We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
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At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.







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