MP and PRF take action against fraud in fuel transport in Rio
The Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ) and the Federal Highway Police (PRF) are today (10) serving 19 arrest warrants and 38 search and seizure warrants against suspects of tax fraud in fuel transport. According to the MPRJ, the group is suspected of using cold (counterfeit) invoices, simulating empty trucks and paying bribes to public agents.
Investigations of the second phase of the Deviation of Route operation showed that the criminal group was transporting ethanol on routes that were incompatible with the origin and destination of the seized invoices. When intercepted by the inspectors of the Fiscal Barrier operation, they resorted to bribery and, at times, threats and violence.
In the course of the investigations, 73 trucks with three million liters of ethanol were seized, which would generate a loss of R$ 1 billion to the public coffers, through the non-payment of the Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS).
forgers
According to the MPRJ, the organization was divided into three groups: the leaders, who organized the action; the logistical nucleus, which involved owners of transport companies, drivers and counterfeiters; and the lobbyists, who interacted with fuel resale companies.
Among those denounced for the crime are at least two public agents, a military police officer and a former Barreira Fiscal agent, who is now a state legislative advisor. The Military Police Internal Affairs is also active in today's operation.
Text translated using artificial intelligence.
