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Federal Revenue launches operation to combat fraud in the solar sector

Operation Black Flag combats tax evasion, bidding fraud and money laundering with shell companies

06-09-22-canal-solar-Receita Federal launches operation to combat fraud in the solar sector

28 search and seizure warrants were executed in Operation Skotos. Photo: Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil

A IRS, together with Federal police and Federal Public Ministry, broke out, on August 30th,Skotos operation, third phase of Operation Black Flag, what a fight fraud in solar sector.

According to MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy), the objective is obtain evidence regarding fraudulent transactions used for the practice of federal tax evasion, money laundering and bid fraud.

The first phase, launched in May 2021, found that a economic group in the region of Campinas (SP) would have used shell companies and fake individuals to move resources arising from financial crimes and tax evasion.

With the analysis of the seized material and the deepening of the investigations, it was verified that those involved had started to work in the branch of photovoltaic energy exploration, participating in bidding processes for the concession of parks for the installation of solar plants.

“The rights acquired as a result of the won auctions were later sold, generating around R$150 million. Much of the money raised was directed to shell companies, which would have acquired around R$47 million in luxury goods,” stated the MME.

It is estimated that R$30 million in federal taxes were evaded in these operations. New tax procedures were initiated at the start of the operation.

Search and seizure warrants

In total, they are being fulfilled 28 search and seizure warrants in homes, companies and offices of those being investigated.

Man arrested after scamming solar panels

The actions take place in Campinas (SP), Indaiatuba (SP), Sumaré (SP), Valinhos (SP), Bragança Paulista (SP), Vargem (SP), Vargem Grande Paulista (SP), Itatiba (SP), São Paulo ( SP), Eusébio (CE), Fortaleza (CE), Juazeiro do Norte (CE), Recife (PE), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Palmas (TO) and Araguaína (TO) and in Brasília (DF).

Mateus Badra
About the Author
Mateus Badra

Journalist graduated from PUC-Campinas. He worked as a producer, reporter and presenter on TV Bandeirantes and Metro Jornal. He has been following the Brazilian electricity sector since 2020.

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