INITIAL HN REPORT:

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – March 3, 2026 – A Brazilian national illegally residing in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, has been sentenced to “time served” after pleading guilty to federal firearms charges, marking a key development in a sweeping investigation that uncovered ties to a notorious Brazilian transnational criminal organization and local street gangs.

Lucas Nascimento-Silva, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley to 17.5 months already served in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. He now faces deportation. Nascimento-Silva pleaded guilty in July 2025 to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.

Court documents reveal that between August and September 2024, Nascimento-Silva sold 12 firearms, along with ammunition and large-capacity magazines, to a cooperating witness in exchange for cash. He conspired with others to source the weapons from South Carolina and distribute them in Massachusetts, all without the required federal license.

This case stems from a year-long federal probe launched in 2024, which exposed a network of Brazilian nationals allegedly trafficking firearms across the state. As detailed in a U.S. Department of Justice announcement on March 19, 2025, the investigation led to charges against 18 individuals, most of whom were in the U.S. illegally. Authorities seized approximately 110 firearms—including handguns, rifles, short-barreled rifles, and shotguns—along with trafficking quantities of fentanyl and ammunition. The weapons were primarily smuggled from Florida and South Carolina into Massachusetts communities.

The probe alleged connections to gang-related activities, including the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), one of Brazil’s largest criminal organizations, known for violent crimes such as murders, armed robberies, kidnappings, and transnational drug trafficking. Some firearms were also linked to smaller local street gangs like “Tropa de Sete” and “Trem Bala.”

Nascimento-Silva was among the charged defendants, listed as a 27-year-old West Yarmouth resident at the time of his initial indictment. Other defendants included Floriano De Souza, 50, of Yarmouth; Alason Ferreira-Peixoto, 22, of West Yarmouth; Talles Provette De Faria, 34, of Barnstable and Plymouth; and Kessi Jhonny Firmino Sales, 23, of West Yarmouth, along with individuals from Marlborough, Malden, Framingham, Boston, and other areas. Charges ranged from unlicensed firearms dealing and conspiracy to fentanyl distribution and unlawful possession by illegal aliens.

U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley emphasized the dangers: “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.” (From a 2025 media statement…)

“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 (2025 statement).

“Not only are many of these individuals in the country illegally, these defendants also allegedly trafficked dangerous firearms in connection with transnational gangs, posing a serious threat to our communities in Massachusetts. This investigation is the result of collaboration with our partners, each leveraging our unique expertise and authorities to work towards our shared public safety goals,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England (2025 statement).

“Many of these 18 Brazilian aliens illegally settled in our Massachusetts communities apparently with the intention of causing harm to our residents,” said Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (2025 statement). “Not only were they allegedly members or associates of dangerous transnational criminal organizations, but they were also allegedly involved in trafficking significant amounts of illegal firearms, ammunition, and fentanyl. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our New England neighborhoods.”

The investigation, part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America, involved collaboration among federal agencies including ATF, HSI, and ICE, with support from the Massachusetts State Police, Barnstable Police Department, and other local forces. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit led the prosecution.

Penalties for unlicensed firearms dealing can include up to five years in prison, while unlawful possession by an illegal alien carries up to 15 years. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

[HN Note: Lucas Nascimento-Silva’s booking photo was not included in today’s media statement from the Department of Justice]

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