Operations against tallow sales evasion scheme block R$ 271 million worth of goods in Paraná and 3 states

This Wednesday (4), two operations investigate criminal organizations suspected of tax evasion, ideological falsehood and money laundering in the tallow and animal fat trade. The actions are coordinated by the Federal Revenue Service and the Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco).

The 64 search and seizure warrants were carried out in cities in Paraná, São Paulo, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.

The Court also ordered nine people under investigation to kidnap and unavailability of assets, rights and values that, combined, amount to R$ 271,481,696.96 — bank accounts, vehicles, properties, shares in companies and investments.

Although autonomous, the Rinse and Catheter operations are connected. In both cases, the same credit rights investment funds (FIDCs) managed by the same institution were identified. They are used as channels to "convert unbacked securities into resources with the appearance of legality", the Public Ministry of Paraná (MP-PR) explained.

The names of the targets have not been officially released.

Check out the list of cities with warrants:

23 in Londrina; 15 in Maringá; 15 in São Paulo (SP); 6 in Arapongas; 4 in Apucarana; 4 in Cambé; 4 in Rolandia; 4 in Paiçandu; 3 in Cianorte; 3 in Jandaia do Sul; 2 in Curitiba; 2 in São José dos Pinhais; 2 in Campinas; 2 in Passo Fundo (RS); 1 in Colorado; 1 in Enéas Marques; 1 in Foz do Iguaçu; 1 in Goioerê; 1 in Loanda; 1 in Mandaguari; 1 in Marialva; 1 in Pitanga; 1 in Toledo; 1 in Barretos; 1 in Rancharia; 1 in Joinville (SC); 1 in Erechim (RS); 1 in Marau (RS).

According to the investigations, suppliers sold tallow and animal fat without issuing invoices or issued documents intended for front companies, even without the goods being transported to them.

Afterwards, shell companies, the "noteiras", issued invoices to the purchasing industries. Registered in the name of third parties, they do not have a real commercial operation. In this way, they generate fictitious Tax credits on the Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS).

Shell companies assumed tax debts, even though they had no assets or physical structure. Thus, those truly responsible for the operations were able to hide their participation in the scheme.

For their work, they used five groups: the group responsible for creating shell companies and issuing fake invoices; industries that took advantage of fictitious ICMS credits; financial intermediation companies; companies used to hide assets; and the actual suppliers of the products.