Brazilian National Arrested in North Carolina Traffic Stop, Identified as Ex-Commander of Terror Groups
A Brazilian national with ties to two designated foreign terrorist organizations was arrested in Mooresville, North Carolina, after a traffic stop escalated into a vehicle pursuit and crash, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The suspect, identified as Felipe Linares De Oliveira Dell Aquilla, also known as “Don,” was taken into custody on June 5 following a coordinated operation involving federal and local agencies.
Authorities say the arrest began when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) units in Greensboro and Charlotte initiated a traffic stop on Dell Aquilla in Mooresville.
Instead of complying, he fled, leading officers on a pursuit that ended when his vehicle collided with stopped traffic. He then attempted to escape on foot before being apprehended shortly after, officials said.
A search of the suspect’s vehicle reportedly uncovered multiple cellphones, laptops, cash, and a 9mm handgun.
Investigators say the items may be relevant to ongoing inquiries into his criminal activity and international connections.
Federal authorities identified Dell Aquilla as a former commander within Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), two Brazilian criminal organizations recently designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the U.S. government.
Officials also stated he was wanted in Brazil on charges of criminal association and extortion.
Investigators said Dell Aquilla had entered the United States illegally.
The case also includes allegations that Dell Aquilla was holding his wife against her will at the time of the operation.
Law enforcement officials said she later confirmed she hadbeen restrained and that the allegation is being examined as part of potential kidnapping charges being pursued at the federal level, according to WCNC.
Following the arrest, Dell Aquilla was transported to a county detention facility, where he faces a state charge of fleeing to elude arrest.
Federal authorities have indicated they are also pursuing additional charges, including being an alien in possession of a firearm and kidnapping, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer to ensure custody is maintained during proceedings.
The operation involved multiple agencies, including HSI field offices in North Carolina and New England, as well as the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and the Mooresville Police Department.
The suspect, identified as Felipe Linares De Oliveira Dell Aquilla, also known as “Don,” was taken into custody on June 5 following a coordinated operation involving federal and local agencies.
Authorities say the arrest began when Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) units in Greensboro and Charlotte initiated a traffic stop on Dell Aquilla in Mooresville.
Instead of complying, he fled, leading officers on a pursuit that ended when his vehicle collided with stopped traffic. He then attempted to escape on foot before being apprehended shortly after, officials said.
A search of the suspect’s vehicle reportedly uncovered multiple cellphones, laptops, cash, and a 9mm handgun.
Investigators say the items may be relevant to ongoing inquiries into his criminal activity and international connections.
Federal authorities identified Dell Aquilla as a former commander within Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), two Brazilian criminal organizations recently designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the U.S. government.
Officials also stated he was wanted in Brazil on charges of criminal association and extortion.
Investigators said Dell Aquilla had entered the United States illegally.
The case also includes allegations that Dell Aquilla was holding his wife against her will at the time of the operation.
Law enforcement officials said she later confirmed she hadbeen restrained and that the allegation is being examined as part of potential kidnapping charges being pursued at the federal level, according to WCNC.
Following the arrest, Dell Aquilla was transported to a county detention facility, where he faces a state charge of fleeing to elude arrest.
Federal authorities have indicated they are also pursuing additional charges, including being an alien in possession of a firearm and kidnapping, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer to ensure custody is maintained during proceedings.
The operation involved multiple agencies, including HSI field offices in North Carolina and New England, as well as the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and the Mooresville Police Department.
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