Petrobras probe moves into new phase

Federal Police are moving on to a new phase of its “Operation Car Wash” probe into a widespread money embezzlement scheme at Petrobras as of this morning (Feb. 5). About 200 federal and IRS officers served 62 warrants in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, and Santa Catarina.

Out of the total warrants, 18 are for bench arrest, four are pre-charge remands, and 40 are search warrants.

According to the Federal Police, the new phase is a spin-off from the collaboration of one of the suspects, as well as documents and contracts seized at earlier stage and allegations by a former Petrobras employee targeted by the operation.

Translated by Mayra Borges