Federal Agencies Launch Operation Against Illegal Mining in Brazil

05/18/2018 - 12h45

Aiming to attack an illegal chain of gold mining in the Amazon, the Brazilian Federal Prosecution Office (MPF) and other federal government agencies have started an operation against mining and companies in the Tapajós river area, in Western Pará.

The most recent action took place last Thursday (10) when the Federal Police and the MPF executed search and seizure warrants in the cities of Santarém and Itaituba against companies suspected of "laundering" gold from hundreds of illegal mines in the area.

	Avener Prado/Folhapress
	Illegal mining area

The main target was company Ourominas, suspected of identity theft, illegal possession of Federal Government assets, receipt of stolen goods and criminal organization.

In Santarém, the investigation found that between 2015 and 2017, the company's local representation bought R$ 72 million (US$ 19.50 million) in illegal gold.

In order to purchase gold, the company required only an identity card and Brazilian social security number (CPF), according to the MPF and the Federal Police. In 2015, 100% of the gold purchased by the city unit was allegedly illegal.

In view of the operation, dubbed "Midas Dilemma", Ourominas' activities have been suspended in the area. Additionally, Federal Courts have frozen the assets of businessman Raimundo Nonato da Silva, owner of Ourominas.

Translated by ANA BEATRIZ DEMARIA

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