Federal Police look into illegal gold trade on indigenous lands
The Brazilian Federal Police on Wednesday (Dec. 11) launched Operation Flygold II, aimed at combating criminal organizations believed to have illegally transported gold extracted from indigenous lands. The scheme is estimated to have raised over BRL 4 billion.
Among the locations from which the gold is supposed to have been taken is the Munduruku territory, in Pará state. According to investigators, the precious metal was destined for foreign countries as well as other Brazilian states.
The police have reported that 19 search and seizure warrants and nine arrest warrants are being carried out in the states of São Paulo, Pará, Paraná, Roraima, Amapá, and Goiás. More than BRL 615 million in goods and valuables have been seized.
“Over the course of one year of investigations, it was found that approximately one ton of gold was transported illegally, in addition to BRL 4 billion raised by those involved, including intermediaries and shell companies,” the authorities stated.
Rings members are also said to have recruited foreigners to check baggage loaded with gold on commercial flights.
