Federal Police investigate theft of 20 tons of textbooks in Brazil

The Brazilian Federal Police launched ‘Operation Libricida’ to investigate the theft of over 20 tons of textbooks intended for public schools in the states of Maranhão and Piauí. The investigation focuses on materials linked to the National Textbook Program (PNLD) and the National Fund for Educational Development (FNDE).

Authorities suspect that shipments departing from a distribution center in Teresina were diverted from their original routes before reaching their intended destinations in rural areas. To conceal the theft, suspects allegedly used falsified documents and forged signatures to simulate successful deliveries to schools.

Preliminary findings indicate that the 20-ton figure is based only on loads with detailed shipping manifests, suggesting the total volume of stolen material may be higher. Investigators are also looking into whether the stolen books were sold for paper recycling. During the operation, search and seizure warrants were executed in the Maranhão municipalities of Timon and Matões. Suspects may face charges including qualified theft through fraud and forgery of private documents.