A Brazilian businessman shot at the airport died instantly. Two hooded men killed Antônio Vinicius Gritzbach, linked to notorious criminal organizations, outside São Paulo Guarulhos airport. Gritzbach had recently agreed to a plea deal with the local prosecutors.
Gritzbach, once a critical figure in the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) or First Capital command, was reportedly cooperating with authorities to provide crucial information about the gang’s operations. As part of his agreement, he promised to help investigators locate other members and provide some important documents.
Unfortunately, his decision to cooperate led to his demise. Local media reported that PCC issued death threats to Gritzbach, linking these threats to his plea deal. The attack occurred when two gunmen armed with submachine guns exited a car and opened fire outside the airport. Footage of the shooting shows the businessman attempting to flee but being shot multiple times, leading to his death at the scene.
Later on, authorities confirmed that at least three other people got injured in the attack. Police quickly responded, deploying officers to the airport and its vicinity as cryptocurrency expert Gritzbach had been helping authorities uncover how he had assisted his gang in laundering millions of dollars. His role in PCC was significant and was once considered a major operation player.
The PCC is known for its massive criminal reach, with members active in Brazil and across international borders, including Europe. In 2023, estimates revealed that the PCC generated nearly $ 1 billion annually through its international cocaine trafficking.
