The federal police crack down on the smuggling and sale of Venezuelan gold

The scheme that would have generated almost R$ 6 billion involves the clandestine entry of ore into Brazil as payment for food exports

On Wednesday morning (20th), the Federal Police (PF) launched Operation Eldorado, with the aim of arresting those suspected of having conducted a plan to smuggle and sell Venezuelan gold, extracted from illegal mines.

The scheme, which would have generated almost R$6 billion, involves the clandestine entry of ore into Brazil as payment for the export of food through the Roraima and Amazonas markets.

According to the investigation, the main individuals investigated under this project were also involved in clandestine gold exploration in the Yanomami Indigenous Lands (TIY) and in mining sites scattered across other Brazilian states.

Through Operation Eldorado, two preventive arrest warrants and 40 search and seizure warrants will be served in the states of Roraima, Amazonas, Goiás and, also, in the Federal District, issued by the 4th Federal Court of the Judicial Section of Boa Vista-RR .

Venezuelan gold

According to the federal police, the transport companies hired by the suspects hid the gold smuggled from Venezuela inside trucks. The vehicles would enter Roraima, without the necessary procedures and without paying the taxes due.

Subsequently, the ore would be purchased by other members of the system and sent to companies operating in the field of gold ore exploration, responsible for making payments to supermarkets and food distributors.

In addition to the arrest warrants and searches, the Court also ascertained the unavailability of the assets on the financial market, as well as the vehicles and planes of the suspects.

Yanomami indigenous land

This year, the Federal Police, in collaboration with the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), has carried out several operations that have already led to the destruction of fields, machinery and fuels found in the Yanomami Indigenous Lands, in places where they had active mines.

Public agents also inspected clandestine landing strips, located in regions close to the indigenous reserve, in the state of Roraima, and dismantled a clandestine workshop, located in the forest, which would carry out maintenance on planes dedicated to illegal extraction.

And financial resources have already been blocked against the financing of illegal mining logistics, with the aim of decapitalizing criminal groups.

In addition to the alleged crime-fighting activities in TIY, the PF has been involved in conducting investigative procedures investigating the involvement of hundreds of suspects in the criminal production chain operating in the region, including members of criminal factions and economic groups.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.