Rondônia Military Police Lose Posts After Conviction in Usury and Extortion Scheme

The Public Ministry of Rondônia’s Operation Soldados da Usura resulted in the conviction of several military police officers for operating an illegal loan and extortion network. The court ordered the removal of the implicated officers from their positions and imposed collective moral damages of R$ 100,000 to be used for a restitution fund. Assets, vehicles and cash totaling more than R$ 2.7 million were seized, and multiple arrest and search warrants were executed in Porto Velho and Buritis. The investigation uncovered aggressive tactics, including firearms, threats and physical violence, used to force victims to accept high‑interest loans. Victims were also awarded compensation for the harm suffered.

The operation, which has seen several arrests and ongoing investigations, aims to dismantle the criminal organization that allegedly engaged in money laundering, fraud, and falsification of documents alongside the usury activities.