The Massachusetts US Attorney's Office has announced the arrests of 18 people in a year long federal probe.

According to US Attorney Leah Foley, the investigation identified several Brazilian nationals in several communities in the state that were allegedly involved in various type of fire arms. Those weapons were tied to alleged gang activities among the transnational criminal organization Primeiro Comando da Capital, as well as smaller, local street gangs, specifically the “Tropa de Sete” and “Trem Bala” street gangs.

Foley says that members of the gangs were known to commit various acts of violence, including murder and kidnapping.

Foley says 110 firearms were taken off the street.

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.

Of the 18, four are from The Cape area.

Floriano De Souza, 50, illegal, resided in Yarmouth, charged with conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license;

Alason Ferreira-Peixoto, 22, of West Yarmouth, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;

Lucas Nascimento-Siva, 27, of West Yarmouth, charged with engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;

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;

“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.

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.

(Photo: Massachusetts US Attorney's Office)

Kevin Matthews