Revenue server is the target of investigation in operation in Fortaleza
By: Bruna Lessa
Source: O Globo
The Federal Revenue Service informed, on Thursday, that it launched Operation
Snooker after identifying irregularities committed by a server who would have
benefited importers and put at risk the image of the institution and the
performance of the "vast majority of employees".
The investigations began in 2022, based on an anonymous complaint
sent to the Ombudsman's Office of the then Ministry of Economy, now Finance, reporting
possible irregularities of a server at Pinto
Martins International Airport, in Fortaleza. According to the investigation, the public servant would have concealed assets,
favored importers and received payment from companies for himself and family members.
Operation Snooker includes 22 targets of search and seizure warrants — 10
individuals and 12 legal entities — in five cities in Ceará and one in Bahia.
In parallel, since 2023, the Fortaleza Customs Office has intensified inspections
within the National Customs Inspection Plan, identifying practices of
counterfeiting, undervaluation of goods and fraudulent interposition, such as
manipulation of documents and tampering with bank statements.
These actions resulted in the largest seizure of goods in the history of the Fortaleza Customs
and the drawing up of more than R$ 30 million in infraction notices><. According to the IRS, the measures prevented the irregular entry of
thousands of tons of counterfeit products, protecting the national industry
and the domestic market.
During the inspections, tax auditors faced threats and attempts to
interference, including the circulation of fake news with the aim of
discredit the IRS. The institutional response came with Operation
Fortaleza, which reinforced the inspection teams nationally, ensuring the
continuity of actions safely and firmly.
The Federal Revenue Service stated that the Snooker and Fortaleza operations reinforce the
cohesion of the teams and the importance of integrated action with the Federal Police and the
Public Prosecutor's Office.
" The two operations, conducted in parallel, reinforce the message that the
Federal Revenue Service acts in a coordinated and unwavering manner in confronting
illicit practices and criminal organizations of strong economic and political power
", said the Federal Revenue.