Source: Virtual Gas - RJ - 24/07/2009

A joint operation by the São Paulo Finance Secretariat and the State Prosecutor's Office seized documents, books and fuel samples from 12 gas stations and nine São Paulo accounting offices this Thursday (23). Companies are suspected of involvement in money laundering by criminal organizations. In addition, the Treasury also investigates possible tax and accounting fraud, as well as adulteration of fuels. Two other former partners of these companies are also being investigated.

Coordinated by the Secretariat of Finance and the Special Group to Combat Economic Crimes (Gedec), of the MP, the operation has the participation of promoters from the Special Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco). In all, 80 tax agents participate in searches and seizures.

All material seized will be examined by technicians from the secretariat. The audit work should last at least six months. The objective is to find elements to reinforce the existing evidence against the gang that is being investigated by the Public Ministry.

Two technicians followed the steps in order to collect fuel samples. According to the MP's investigations, the gang would sell adulterated fuels in several stations in Greater São Paulo, bought with money obtained through fraud in ATMs and cloning of magnetic cards.

The establishments are located in the Capital and in cities in the Greater São Paulo, such as São Bernardo and São Caetano do Sul. At the beginning of the year, the Justice determined the kidnapping of a gas station installed in the Jaguaré neighborhood, in the West Zone of São Paulo. , after it was proven that the establishment was the result of money laundering. (Source: G1)