Brazil’s Federal Police launched Operation Trapiche in November 2023 with support from Israel’s Mossad to disrupt suspected militant activities. Investigations revealed that Hezbollah recruits Latin American men who lack prior ties to the organization, then flies them to Lebanon for training. Upon returning, these individuals reportedly scout for Israeli and Jewish targets. Brazilian federal prosecutor Lucas Gualtieri stated, "Hezbollah was specifically seeking to recruit financially vulnerable convicted felons with no prior ties to the group or Lebanon." The recruitment strategy focuses on identifying local criminals to carry out operations, according to authorities. These suspects are transported to Lebanon for instruction before returning to their home countries to monitor potential attack sites. Operation Trapiche marks a significant effort by regional security forces to counter foreign militant recruitment.
Recruitment of Vulnerable Felons
Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice affirmed that financial motivation does not preclude terrorism liability when suspects knowingly participate in a terrorist plot. The court ruling clarifies the legal standing for individuals engaged in recruitment activities within Brazil. Judicial authorities reached this conclusion while examining cases involving external militant organizations operating in Latin America. According to the court, the underlying reason for a participant's involvement remains secondary to the act of joining a conspiracy. This legal precedent applies to all defendants currently under investigation for potential links to foreign groups. Federal prosecutors utilize this interpretation to pursue charges against those recruited through financial incentives. The ruling confirms that receiving payment does not absolve individuals of criminal responsibility for activities directed against identified targets.
Operational Training and Surveillance
Lucas Passos Lima traveled to Lebanon on two separate occasions throughout 2023. Following his initial visit to the country, Lucas Passos Lima conducted surveillance activities in and around Brasília. These operations involved geolocating and filming three synagogues, a Jewish cemetery, the Israeli embassy, and a rabbi. Upon his final return from Lebanon, authorities identified that Lucas Passos Lima possessed more than $5,000 in untraceable cash.
Dante Felipini, a cryptocurrency broker based in São Paulo, managed the financial logistics for these operations. Dante Felipini established three separate cryptocurrency wallets designated for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah. Regarding the nature of the recruitment process and the training provided to individuals like Lucas Passos Lima, Dante Felipini stated the trip had been his “baptism” into the group.
