FIVE BRAZILIAN GUN TRAFFICKERS WERE LIVING IN YARMOUTH & BARNSTABLE, FEDERAL AGENTS SAY

Above: D.O.J. evidence photo/ HN edits… The f irearms were allegedly tied to Brazilian transnational criminal organization, feds say… BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – According to a United States Department of Justice media statement, yesterday – March 19, 2025 – the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the results of a year-long federal investigation into illegal firearm sales across Massachusetts.  The following is the D.O.J. media statement: According to the charging documents, the investigation identified Brazilian nationals in several communities in Massachusetts who have allegedly been involved in the sale of various types of firearms. It is further alleged that some of the firearms were tied to gang-related activities involving a large transnational criminal organization, Primeiro Comando da Capital, as well as smaller, local street gangs, specifically the “Tropa de Sete” and “Trem Bala” street gangs. Primeiro Comando da Capital, originally founded in the prison systems in São Paulo, Brazil, is one of the largest criminal organizations in Brazil and Latin America. It is alleged that Primeiro Comando da Capital members and their associates are known to commit violent offenses in furtherance of the organization, to include murders, armed robberies, kidnappings and the coordination of a transnational drug trafficking operation. To date, approximately 110 firearms, trafficking quantities of fentanyl and ammunition have been seized over the course of the investigation which began in 2024. The firearms allegedly recovered include, but are not limited to, handguns, rifles, short-barreled rifles and shotguns that were primarily trafficked from areas in Florida and South Carolina into Massachusetts. Eighteen Brazilian nationals have been charged separately with federal firearms offenses over the course of the investigation. The majority of the defendants have no legal status in the United States and are in the United States illegally:

1. Floriano De Souza, 50, illegal, resided in Yarmouth, charged with conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
2. Alason Ferreira-Peixoto, 22, of West Yarmouth, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
3. Lucas Nascimento-Siva, 27, of West Yarmouth, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
4. Talles Provette De Faria, 34, of Barnstable and Plymouth, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and distribution of fentanyl;
5. Kessi Jhonny Firmino Sales, 23, illegal, resided in West Yarmouth, charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
6. Guilherme Fernandes Tavares, 31, illegal, resided in Marlborough, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
7. Lucas Henrique Moreira De Paiva, 22, illegal, resided in Malden, Weymouth and Chelsea, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
8. Victor Eduardo Santos De Souza, 21, illegal, resided in Framingham and Revere, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
9. Rafaell Martins Ferreira, 27, illegal, resided in Boston, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
10. Riquelme Henrique De Aguilar Ferreira, 21, illegal, resided in Framingham and Revere, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
11. Lucas Ferreira-Da Silva, 27, of Malden, charged with engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license;
12. Israel Yurisson Dos Santos, 24, illegal, resided in Marlborough, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
13. Gideoni De Oliveira Moutinho, 32, illegal, resided in Malden, Weymouth and Chelsea, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
14. Vanderson Rocha Oliveira, 31, illegal, resided in Boston, charged with charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
15. Joao Vitor Dos Santos Goncalves Pimenta, 20, illegal, resided in Malden, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
16. Patrick Rodrigues De Oliveira, 34, of Framingham, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
17. Marcos Paulo Silva, 24, illegal, resided in Boston, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
18. Joao Victor Da Silva Soares, 21, of Everett, charged with conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license

“As alleged, these defendants – most of whom have no legal status in the United States – played a role in bringing deadly weapons into Massachusetts, some as traffickers and others as unlawful possessors. This kind of lawlessness fuels violent crime and empowers transnational criminal organizations that profit from chaos and fear. It puts American lives at risk,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “This case is a testament to the strength of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships in keeping our communities safe and upholding the rule of law.” “This case involved the trafficking of well over 100 illegal firearms and included 18 defendants, many of whom are illegal aliens allegedly engaged in the unlawful possession and distribution of deadly weapons. The combination of illegal firearms and individuals unlawfully in our country presents a grave threat to public safety. ATF will not stand by – we will continue to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and dismantle those who arm criminals and endanger our communities,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division. “Not only are many of these individuals in the country illegally, these defendants also allegedly trafficked dangerous firearms in connection with transnational gangs, posing a serious threat to our communities in Massachusetts. This investigation is the result of collaboration with our partners, each leveraging our unique expertise and authorities to work towards our shared public safety goals,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “Many of these 18 Brazilian aliens illegally settled in our Massachusetts communities apparently with the intention of causing harm to our residents,” said Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. “Not only were they allegedly members or associates of dangerous transnational criminal organizations, but they were also allegedly involved in trafficking significant amounts of illegal firearms, ammunition, and fentanyl. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our New England neighborhoods.” The charges of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendants are subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. U.S. Attorney Foley; ATF SAC Ferguson; HSI SAC Krol; and ICE ERO Director Hyde made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; United States Postal Inspection Service; Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office; United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection & National Security Directorate; and the Barnstable, Yarmouth, Plymouth, Chelsea, Milford, Malden, Marlborough, Weymouth, Framingham, New Bedford and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Crowley, Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III are prosecuting the cases. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ADDITIONAL RECENT MASSACHUSETTS CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIEN ARRESTS: ICE Boston arrests fugitive wanted in Brazil for manslaughter WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS — [ICE MEDIA STATEMENT – 3/19/25]  –  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegally present 29-year-old Brazilian alien convicted in his native country for manslaughter while driving a motor vehicle Jan. 25 in Waltham. The Brazilian fugitive failed to appear for his prison sentence following the manslaughter conviction. “This Brazilian fugitive attempted to flee justice in his home country by hiding out in Massachusetts,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He presented a threat to the residents of our communities that we will not tolerate. ICE will not allow our New England communities to become a safe haven for the world’s bad actors. We will continue to arrest and remove them from our streets.” A Brazilian court convicted the fugitive Dec. 11, 2018, for manslaughter while driving a motor vehicle and sentenced him to serve a prison term of four years, eight months, and 21 days The U.S. Border Patrol arrested the Brazilian fugitive Nov. 22, 2018, after he illegally entered the United States near Hildalgo, Texas. Immigration Officials issued the fugitive an order of expedited removal and released him on his own recognizance. The Brazilian alien remains in ICE custody following his arrest. Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.   ICE Boston arrests illegal Guatemalan alien charged with sex crimes against Massachusetts minor BRIGHTON, MASSACHUSETTS — [ICE MEDIA STATEMENT – 3/18/25]  –  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended Sostenes Perez-Lopez, 59, an illegal Guatemalan alien charged with two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child in Brighton, Feb. 18. “Sostenes Perez-Lopez stands accused of some horrific crimes against a child in Massachusetts,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “We will not tolerate the victimization of our residents at the hands of alien offenders. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by arresting and removing illegally present lawbreakers.” Perez illegally entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location and without being inspected by a U.S. immigration official. ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Perez with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, Nashua Street Jail Nov. 28, 2024, following Perez’ apprehension for indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. The Boston Municipal Court, Brighton Division, arraigned Perez Nov. 29, 2024, on two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. Following his arraignment, the court ordered Perez committed to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department in lieu of posting bail in the amount of $8,000. The Boston Municipal Court ignored the ICE detainer and released Perez on bail Dec. 12, 2024. The court fitted Perez with GPS to include special conditions pending the outcome of his case. ICE served Perez with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge following his arrest and he remains in ICE custody. Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.   ICE Boston arrests Turkish alien charged with raping Massachusetts resident BURLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS — [ICE MEDIA STATEMENT – 3/14/25]  –  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegal Turkish national charged with raping a Massachusetts resident when officers with ICE Boston apprehended Bilal Karayigit, 26, in Burlington Feb. 19. “Bilal Karayigit stands accused of brutally victimizing a resident of our community,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He represents a significant threat to the members of our Massachusetts neighborhoods that ICE will not tolerate. We will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien threats to New England.” Karayigit lawfully entered the United States July 12, 2022, at JFK International Airport in New York but later violated the terms of his lawful admission. The Brighton District Court in Massachusetts arraigned Karayigit Dec. 5, 2023, for rape and indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years of age. ICE lodged an immigration detainer later that day against Karayigit with the court. The Brighton District Court ignored the detainer and released Karayigit from custody April 24, 2024. The Suffolk Superior Court in Boston arraigned Karayigit June 11, 2024, for rape, indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years of age, and kidnapping. The Boston Police Department arrested Karayigit Sept. 19, 2024, on warrants stemming from his pending charges. ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Karayigit with the Nashua Street Jail in Boston later that day. The jail ignored the immigration detainer and released Karayigit from custody Sept. 26, 2024. ICE served Karayigit with a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge after his arrest and he remains in ICE custody. Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.   ICE Boston arrests illegal Guatemalan alien charged with aggravated rape of Massachusetts child LAWRENCE, MASSACHUSETTS — [ICE MEDIA STATEMENT – 3/13/25]  –  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Stivenson Omar Perez-Ajtzalan, 19, an illegal Guatemalan alien charged with aggravated rape of a child, in Lawrence Jan. 30. “Stivenson Omar Perez-Ajtzalan entered this country illegally and victimized a Massachusetts child ten years his junior,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “Not only did Perez display a blatant disregard for our immigration laws, he sexually assaulted a child. He came to this country to do harm, and now he must be made to face the consequences of his actions. ICE Boston will remain dedicated to our mission of protecting public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from New England.” The Lawrence District Court arraigned Perez Dec. 20, 2024, on felony charges of aggravated rape of a child with a ten-year age difference, which is currently pending. ICE issued Perez a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge following his arrest and placed him into removal proceedings. He remains in ICE custody. Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.   ICE Boston arrests fugitive alien wanted in Brazil for illegal firearm, threatening crimes BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — [ICE MEDIA STATEMENT – 3/13/25]  –  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and law enforcement partners from the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration apprehended a 28-year-old unlawfully present Brazilian fugitive, wanted in his home country for illegally carrying a firearm and making threats, in Medfield, Massachusetts, Feb. 18. “The apprehension of this Brazilian fugitive underscores ICE’s commitment to ensuring the safety of our New England communities,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “This fugitive attempted to flee justice in Brazil and take refuge in Massachusetts while presenting a significant threat to our residents. We will not allow New England to become a safe haven for the world’s criminal elements.” The Brazilian alien illegally entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location and without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by a U.S. immigration official. Brazilian authorities issued a warrant for the alien’s arrest Sept. 21, 2022, for the charges of threats and illegal carrying of a firearm, and he faces a maximum prison term of 12-and-a-half years in prison. ICE issued the illegal alien a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge following his arrest and placed him into removal proceedings. He remains in ICE custody. Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form. P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is a brought to you by THE ISLEY BROTHERS…  [CLICK IT/CRANK IT! HEADPHONES ABSOLUTELY OBLIGATORY!]