Rio Grande do Sul police investigate R$ 11 million cattle theft

The Civil Police in Rio Grande do Sul have launched Operation Apropriare to investigate the disappearance of 2,388 cattle belonging to a 91-year-old rural producer. The estimated financial loss exceeds R$ 11 million based on current market values.

Official records from the Secretariat of Agriculture indicated a herd of 4,793 animals, but a physical count revealed only 2,405 remained on the properties. The primary suspect is a former manager who administered the rural areas between 2016 and 2025 and was dismissed following the discovery of the discrepancy.

During recent police operations in Santiago and São Vicente do Sul, authorities seized 400 cattle and a Toyota Hilux. The judiciary has also ordered the seizure of a rural property and the freezing of bank accounts and cryptocurrency assets linked to the investigation to preserve potential assets.