Maranhão court freezes R$ 22.4 million in suspected tax evasion case

A criminal court in Paço do Lumiar, Maranhão, has ordered the freezing of up to R$ 22.4 million in assets belonging to five individuals accused of tax evasion and criminal association.

The investigation, led by the Special Action Group to Combat Tax Evasion (Gaesf) of the Maranhão Public Ministry, centers on activities related to Dicina Indústria e Comércio, Importação e Exportação de Tabacos Ltda. Prosecutors allege the group engaged in a scheme involving the simulation of interstate goods transfers. This was reportedly achieved by issuing tax documents with false destinations to avoid proper tax collection when products were brought into Maranhão.

In addition to the financial freeze, the court has ordered the seizure of the defendants' passports and prohibited them from leaving the country without judicial authorization to ensure they remain available for the legal proceedings.