Source: Terra - BRAZIL - 26/08/2010

An operation against tax evasion in the purchase and distribution of medicines, which would have caused losses estimated at R $ 100 million, was carried out this Thursday in six states by agents of the National Group to Combat Criminal Organizations (GNCOC), linked to the Council National Attorney General of the Public Prosecutor of the States and the Union.

Eleven search and seizure warrants were carried out in units of a company in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Pernambuco and Goiás. The operation was planned during the last GNCOC meeting, which took place in Florianópolis (SC) , in March. Nineteen prosecutors, 11 tax auditors and 19 civil and military police officers were involved.

According to the investigation, the company issued partial notes, which resulted in the payment of taxes below the amount due. The goods were loaded by autonomous carriers who, under the guidance of the distributor, sought alternative and local routes, as a way of avoiding inspection at tax posts. The bills were returned to the company as soon as the recipient received the product and were not registered in the purchasing pharmacies.