Alagoas Dismantles R$102.4M Tax Evasion Ring in Wine Import SectorThe Public Ministry of Alagoas (MP-AL) has successfully dismantled a sophisticated criminal organization responsible for tax evasion exceeding R$102.4 million in ICMS (State VAT). The operation, codenamed 'Portorium,' targeted a network involved in tax evasion, money laundering, and misappropriation of tax assets within the import and export sector.
The investigation focused on trading companies that utilized a complex scheme involving 13 satellite companies to obscure financial operations and conceal assets. This structure allowed the group to illegally benefit from the state's incentivized taxation regime, particularly in the lucrative wine import business.
Authorities identified 11 individuals and 3 legal entities as key participants in the scheme. Among the assets uncovered during the operation were high-value properties, sports vehicles, and rural properties used for cattle raising, indicating the substantial proceeds generated by the illicit activities.
The operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Brazilian authorities to combat financial crimes and protect state revenues from sophisticated tax evasion schemes operating within key economic sectors.