In the heart of South America, a complex web of international crime and terrorism is unfolding. Brazil, known for its vibrant culture and vast landscapes, has become an unexpected hub for Hezbollah’s activities. This Lebanese militant group has established deep roots in the country, posing significant challenges to regional security.
The recent Operation Hawala launched by Brazil’s Federal Police in July 2026, shed light on the intricate connections between Hezbollah and major crime syndicates. The operation resulted in the arrest of ten individuals and the indictment of twelve others for laundering nearly $20 million. This operation underscores the growing collaboration between Hezbollah and Latin American criminal organizations.
Hezbollah’s Longstanding Presence in Brazil
Hezbollah’s presence in Brazil is not a recent development. For nearly thirty years, the group has maintained a permanent regional representative in the country. The first known cleric to reside permanently in Brazil was Sheikh Ali Abou Raya, who served as Imam of the Mohamad Messenger of God Mosque, popularly known as Mesquita do Bras in São Paulo.
Abou Raya’s affiliation with Hezbollah was confirmed after he was killed in an Israeli strike in Southern Lebanon on September 23, 2026. His successor, Sheikh Bilal Mohsen Wehbe, was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Treasury in 2010 for being Hezbollah’s chief representative in South America. Despite these sanctions, Wehbe continued to lead his community openly until 2019.
The current representative, Sheikh Badri Abdul Menhem Mouawia, also known as Sheikh Badri Zeineddine, maintains three U.S. dollar-denominated bank accounts at Al Qard al Hassan, a Hezbollah-controlled financial institution. He moved to Brazil in 2026 and was granted permanent residency in April 2026.
The Role of Mesquita do Bras
The Mesquita do Bras mosque and its affiliated institutions serve as a hub for Hezbollah activities. These activities include youth indoctrination, fundraising, soft power outreach, and community members with direct family connections to Hezbollah fighters. The mosque’s ecosystem includes a school, a scouts’ movement, and a cultural association that aligns with Hezbollah’s worldview.
This network of institutions provides Hezbollah with a platform to spread its ideology and recruit new members. The mosque’s activities are carefully designed to foster a sense of community and loyalty to Hezbollah’s cause. This strategy has allowed the group to maintain a strong presence in Brazil despite not being designated as a terrorist organization by the Brazilian government.
Collaboration with Crime Syndicates
Hezbollah’s activities in Brazil are not limited to ideological and religious outreach. The group has also established connections with major crime syndicates, including the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), the Comando Vermelho (Red Command), and the Terceiro Comando Puro (Third Pure Command). These syndicates are involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities, generating billions of dollars in proceeds.
The collaboration between Hezbollah and these crime syndicates is driven by mutual interests. Hezbollah benefits from the financial resources provided by the syndicates, while the syndicates rely on Hezbollah’s expertise in money laundering and international financial schemes. This collaboration poses a significant threat to regional security and undermines efforts to combat organized crime.
Operation Hawala revealed the extent of this collaboration. The investigation uncovered a vast network of front companies used to launder criminal proceeds. Seven Lebanese nationals, members of Brazil’s Shi’a Lebanese community, were indicted for their role in this network. The investigation also highlighted the use of cutouts in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, a known haven for illicit finance.
The challenges posed by Hezbollah’s presence in Brazil are complex and multifaceted. The group’s deep-rooted presence, combined with its connections to major crime syndicates, requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach to address. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for regional and international authorities to work together to disrupt these networks and ensure the security of the region.
