Federal Authorities in Brazil are probing a major money laundering and illegal gold trading operation in the country, with suspected links to a Guyanese businessman.

The Guyanese businessman, whose name has not been released, is suspected of laundering millions of dollars worth of gold through several shell companies.

While the businessman is not believed to be a major player in gold mining in Guyana, the Brazilian Police are convinced that he is closely linked to some major gold miners and gold traders in Guyana.

The Federal Police in Brazil launched its investigations on Friday, with the aim of unraveling the illegal gold trading operations and the laundering of over US$16.4 Million.

According to a statement from the Brazilian Police, it is suspected that fake companies were formed covering medical supplies and food stuff, and those companies were then used to launder the proceeds from the illegal gold operations through Brazil.

The Brazilian Police said its operations will investigate individuals suspected of moving millions worth of gold from Guyana.

The Brazilian Law Enforcement said the probe was launched after they learned of that a Guyanese businessman, with connections to the gold mining industry in Guyana, was moving millions worth of illegal gold through Brazil.

The businessman, is believed to have several business dealings in Brazil that authorities suspect are not above board.

Investigators have tied the businessman to a Manaus-based company that sells foodstuff, as listed on Brazil’s National Registry of Legal Entities (CNPJ).

However, upon inspection of the business address, the police discovered a vehicle shop with a separate business registration listing.

Federal police agents also believe that the man has a Brazilian partner who has helped him to move assets through shell companies.

One of those companies, reportedly trades in hospital supplies but does not operate at any registered address in Brazil.

Guyana’s Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken this evening told News Source that local law enforcement has not been contacted about the probe in the neighbouring country. He ,however, noted that with the information now being made available, the matter will be examined.

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