Cláudio Castro investigated in Rio corruption probe

Operação Sem Refino Cláudio Castro Refit Polícia Federal environmental licensing fraud

The Federal Police have launched the second phase of Operação Sem Refino, targeting former Rio de Janeiro Governor Cláudio Castro for suspected involvement in a corruption scheme. The investigation, ordered by Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes, involves sixteen search and seizure warrants across locations in Rio de Janeiro, including Barra da Tijuca and Petrópolis.

Authorities are investigating whether Castro received undue benefits, such as luxury properties, in exchange for favorable treatment regarding state contracts. One specific focus is the relationship between the former administration and Refit (formerly Manguinhos Refinery). Investigators are looking into suspected fraud in the granting of environmental licenses to the refinery, as well as potential money laundering, tax evasion, and fraudulent management.

One investigation point involves Engeprat Engenharia e Serviços, a company with state contracts exceeding R$ 350 million, some of which were reportedly awarded without bidding. Additionally, the police are examining the rental and use of properties linked to the former governor. Castro's legal defense has denied all allegations of wrongdoing, maintaining that his administration's actions were strictly legal and technical.

Entities

Alexandre de Moraes · Bernardo Rossi · Cláudio Castro · Engeprat Engenharia e Serviços · Polícia Federal · Refit · Rio de Janeiro

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 3 SOURCES] Authorities are investigating suspected fraud in the granting of environmental licenses to Refit. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · tvtribunape.com.br · www.brasil247.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Cláudio Castro's defense denies any wrongdoing, stating all administrative acts followed legal criteria. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · tvtribunape.com.br
[○ 1 SOURCE] Engeprat Engenharia e Serviços holds state contracts exceeding R$ 350 million, with approximately R$ 50 million awarded without bidding. diariodorio.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The investigation focuses on the relationship between Castro's administration and Refit, the former Manguinhos Refinery. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · tvtribunape.com.br · www.brasil247.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The operation investigates suspected fraudulent management, tax evasion, and money laundering. tvtribunape.com.br
[● 4 SOURCES] The Federal Police are investigating whether properties used by former Rio de Janeiro Governor Cláudio Castro were provided as undue advantages in a scheme involving state government contracts. diariodorio.com · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · tvtribunape.com.br · www.brasil247.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Sixteen search and seizure warrants were issued by Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · tvtribunape.com.br · www.brasil247.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Refit is identified as having a debt exceeding R$ 25 billion to the government. www.brasil247.com