# Investigation into Cláudio Castro corruption allegations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-cludio-castro-corruption-allegations
> Updated: 2026-08-15T11:49:01.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

The Brazilian Federal Police have launched the second phase of ‘Operação Sem Refino’, an investigation targeting former Rio de Janeiro Governor Cláudio Castro for alleged corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion.

Authorized by Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes, the operation involves sixteen search and seizure warrants across locations in Rio de Janeiro, including Barra da Tijuca and Petrópolis. Investigators are examining whether Castro received improper benefits, such as luxury real estate, in exchange for facilitating state contracts. A specific focus includes a high-end home in Petrópolis allegedly linked to the owner of Engeprat Engenharia e Serviços, a company that secured over R$ 350 million in state contracts, including R$ 50 million awarded without a bidding process.

Authorities are also investigating suspected fraud in the issuance of environmental licenses for the Refit refinery. While mobile phone analysis suggests Castro may not have directly managed the fraudulent licensing process—a role allegedly held by former Environment Secretary Bernardo Rossi and former Inea president Renato Jordão Bussiere—investigators believe he may have helped foster a political environment favorable to the refinery’s interests. The police are also examining the rental and use of properties linked to the former governor. Castro’s defense has denied any involvement, maintaining that all administrative acts followed legal and technical criteria.

## Claims

- 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. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The investigation focuses on the relationship between Castro's administration and Refit, the former Manguinhos Refinery. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Authorities are investigating suspected fraud in the granting of environmental licenses to Refit. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Sixteen search and seizure warrants were issued by Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cláudio Castro's defense denies any wrongdoing, stating all administrative acts followed legal criteria. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Engeprat Engenharia e Serviços holds state contracts exceeding R$ 350 million, with approximately R$ 50 million awarded without bidding. (single source)
- The operation investigates suspected fraudulent management, tax evasion, and money laundering. (single source)
- Refit is identified as having a debt exceeding R$ 25 billion to the government. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Cláudio Castro investigated in Rio corruption probe

The Federal Police are investigating former Rio Governor Cláudio Castro in 'Operação Sem Refino' for suspected corruption, environmental licensing fraud, and undue benefits involving Refit and state contracts.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cludio-castro-investigated-in-brazilian-corruption-probe

### 2026-08-13: Cláudio Castro targeted in Federal Police investigation into refinery fraud

The Federal Police launched the second phase of Operation Sem Refino, investigating former Rio Governor Cláudio Castro for alleged corruption, environmental license fraud, and bribery involving the Refit winery

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-seeks-storage-for-recovered-historical-archives

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Cite as: Investigation into Cláudio Castro corruption allegations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-cludio-castro-corruption-allegations