Influencer and lawyer Deolane Bezerra stated in a letter released on social media that she has been the target of “pure persecution” by authorities for over five years. She was preventively arrested last Thursday in a luxury condominium in the interior of São Paulo on suspicion of money laundering and association with organized crime. Deolane denied having any relation with organized crime and stated that her earnings on social media are a result of her career as an entrepreneur, influencer, and lawyer. This is the second time she has been arrested on suspicion of participating in money laundering schemes and alleged connections to the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC).
According to investigations, the faction used a cargo transportation company as a front to move resources from the criminal faction. Authorities point out that Deolane would have received fractional deposits between 2018 and 2021 to hinder bank tracking. The influencer is also accused of maintaining personal and commercial ties with investigated individuals pointed out as financial operators of the scheme. The Justice determined the blocking of values superior to R$ 327 million, in addition to the seizure of 17 vehicles – including luxury models evaluated at over R$ 8 million – and four properties linked to those investigated.
Deolane’s Statement
Deolane’s letter was released on social media by her sister and is her first statement since her arrest. In it, the influencer states that her role as an “opinion maker” was the reason she was targeted by authorities. Deolane also became emotional during a custody hearing and stated that she is a mother, entrepreneur, and lawyer who walks with her head held high, believing in Justice. The prison where she is being held needs to follow standard requirements to receive Deolane, who is a digital influencer with a large number of followers.
Deolane’s arrest is the result of an investigation that began in 2019, when financial analyses identified movements considered suspicious in personal and business accounts linked to her. Authorities carried out six arrests within the scope of the investigation, which points to a scheme of money laundering and association with organized crime. The Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) is one of the main criminal factions in Brazil and is suspected of involvement in various crimes, including money laundering and drug trafficking.
