March 17, 2023
Reading time • 5 min
Federal Police combats wine smuggling to Brazil
The Federal Police launched this Wednesday (15) the Operation Mascate, which aims to dismantle the family group dedicated to smuggling of wines in cities along the border of Brazil with Argentina.
Three search and seizure warrants are being served in two companies and the homes of their respective owners in the cities of Dionísio Cerqueira/SC, Bom Jesus do Sul/PR and Barracão/PR.
It was found that the shops would offer Argentine wines in Brazil for a price much lower than that offered by other legal entities that operate with the sale of the product in the region.
It was also found that the investigated moved large amounts of money in the accounts of the investigated companies, amounts that are not consistent with those formally declared, which characterizes money laundering.
In compliance with the measures determined by the Federal Court, was authorized the seizure of values, jewellery, works of art, vehicles and other luxury items, due to the high economic status held by the investigated.
Those involved in the operation are investigated for the crimes of smuggling and money laundering, which, adding the maximum sentences, total 14 years of imprisonment.
