At the time of his arrest, Aquilla was preparing to flee to Mexico and was holding his wife against her will.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Felipe Linares De Oliveira Dell Aquilla, also known as "Don," was arrested on June 5 in Mooresville, North Carolina, following a joint operation involving Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and local law enforcement agencies. DHS said Aquilla is wanted in Brazil on charges of criminal association and extortion and is the subject of an international arrest warrant.
Authorities allege Aquilla previously served as a commander for Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), two Brazilian criminal organizations that have been designated foreign terrorist organizations by the Trump administration.
Law enforcement intelligence indicated Aquilla was preparing to flee to Mexico and was holding his wife against her will at the time of his arrest. According to DHS, Aquilla attempted to evade officers during a traffic stop, leading law enforcement on a vehicle pursuit that ended when he crashed into stopped traffic. Officials said he then fled on foot before being apprehended.
A search of Aquilla's vehicle allegedly uncovered multiple cell phones, laptops, cash, and a 9mm handgun. During a subsequent interview with investigators, Aquilla's wife confirmed she had been held against her will, according to DHS.
“This arrest demonstrates the unwavering commitment of HSI to protect our communities from dangerous international criminals," said Mark M. Zito, special agent in charge of HSI in North and South Carolina. "By removing a known leader of violent foreign terrorist organizations—wanted for serious crimes including criminal association and extortion—we have prevented further harm to innocent people here and abroad."
Aquilla was booked into county jail and faces a state felony charge of fleeing to elude arrest. HSI is also pursuing federal charges for an alien in possession of a firearm and kidnapping. ICE has lodged an immigration detainer against him. DHS said Aquilla entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location.
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