São Paulo Unveils Operação Bancada Targeting Influencers Behind Illegal Balloon Network

Overview

• Authorities executed 31 search-and-seizure warrants at addresses in the capital and Greater São Paulo linked to the network.
• Investigators say 28 suspects were identified across fabrication, launch, recovery operations and digital promotion.
• The São Paulo judiciary ordered the suspension and blocking of accounts and pages used to publicize and monetize balloon content.
• Officials aim to dismantle the full supply chain, citing environmental-crimes law violations and risks of fires, air hazards and harm to people.
• The action followed the Nov. 13 Tatuapé explosion tied to illegal fireworks storage that killed Adir Mariano and led to large seizures of explosive materials.