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Cláudio Castro targeted in Federal Police investigation into refinery fraud
The Federal Police have launched the second phase of Operation Sem Refino, targeting former Rio de Janeiro Governor Cláudio Castro. The investigation, authorized by the Supreme Federal Court (STF), involves sixteen search and seizure warrants across Rio de Janeiro.
Authorities are investigating allegations of fraud in the issuance of environmental licenses for the Refit refinery (formerly Refinaria de Manguinhos). The probe also covers suspected money laundering, tax evasion, and crimes against the economic order. Investigators are examining whether Castro received undue advantages, such as luxury properties, in exchange for facilitating state contracts. One specific focus is a high-end home in Petrópolis allegedly linked to an entrepreneur whose company, Engeprat Engenharia e Serviços, secured over R$ 350 million in state contracts, including R$ 50 million without bidding.
Additionally, the operation is looking into potential corruption involving the use of a residence in Barra da Tijuca. The investigation follows the first phase of the operation in May, which identified Ricardo Magro, owner of Refit, as a fugitive. Castro's defense has denied any involvement in irregularities, stating that all administrative acts during his tenure followed legal and technical criteria.
Entities
Arquivo Público do Estado do Rio de Janeiro · Cláudio Castro · Federal University of Rio de Janeiro · Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro · Institute of Legal Medicine · Polícia Federal · Public Archive of the State of Rio de Janeiro · Refit · Rio de Janeiro · Rio de Janeiro State Government · Supreme Federal Court
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Engeprat Engenharia e Serviços secured over R$ 350 million in state contracts. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.diariodocentrodomundo.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] The operation investigates money laundering and tax evasion. maranhaohoje.com.br · jblog.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ricardo Magro, owner of Refit, is a fugitive. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.brasil247.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Sixteen search and seizure warrants were issued by the Supreme Federal Court (STF). maranhaohoje.com.br · jblog.com.br · www.diariodocentrodomundo.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] Investigators are looking into whether properties were used as undue advantages for state contracts. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.diariodocentrodomundo.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] The defense denied any involvement in irregularities regarding Refit. maranhaohoje.com.br · jblog.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] The investigation targets potential fraud in environmental licenses for a refinery. maranhaohoje.com.br · jblog.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Federal Police launched the second phase of Operation Sem Refino. maranhaohoje.com.br · jblog.com.br