Brazilian Federal Police conduct operation against R$ 200 million fraud in agricultural machinery exports.
Operation Venezuela Connection was launched in cities in Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo and aims to investigate the crimes of money laundering and criminal organization. Investigations began based on a tax audit by the Federal Revenue Service, which identified legal entities carrying out atypical financial operations, supposedly in the exercise of intermediation in the export of agricultural machinery and implements from Brazil to Venezuela; the money moved by the organization is estimated to have exceeded R$ 200 million.
Aécio Amado, reporter for Agência Brasil - Operation Venezuela Connection was launched this morning (11) in cities in Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo. It aims to investigate the practice of money laundering and organized crime. "According to the investigations, companies based in Venezuela (including a state-owned company) sent large sums of money to Brazil, under the pretext of acquiring this equipment."
Between 2010 and 2014, the money moved by the organization is estimated to have exceeded R$ 200 million, according to the Federal Police (PF). The investigation indicates that a considerable portion of these funds did not reach the manufacturers and suppliers, instead circulating through various bank accounts and being sent abroad.
According to the Federal Police, the investigations began based on a tax audit by the Federal Revenue Service, which identified legal entities carrying out atypical financial transactions, supposedly in the course of intermediating the export of agricultural machinery and implements from Brazil to Venezuela.
Federal police are executing search and seizure warrants in Porto Alegre, Canoas, Passo Fundo, and Erechim. In the state of São Paulo, the operations are taking place in Americana and the state capital. Six people are being taken into custody for questioning.
Edited by: Lidia Neves