Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
5 min of reading 
0 comments 
The Civil Police of RJ Launched a Police Operation Against a Million-Dollar Oil Theft and Fraud Scheme, Revealing the Actions of an Organized Gang in the State
On the morning of this Tuesday (09/30), the Civil Police of RJ launched two simultaneous operations investigating a gang involved in oil theft and lubricant oil adulteration, revealing a million-dollar scheme that caused significant losses to the industry and the final consumer.
The action mobilized agents from the Theft and Cargo Robbery Police Station (DRFC) and the Delegation for the Defense of Delegated Services (DDSD), executing 12 search and seizure warrants in various cities in the state.
Investigation by the Civil Police of RJ Reveals Million-Dollar Scheme
The Civil Police of RJ identified a criminal organization operating on two fronts: the theft of oil from Transpetro pipelines and the adulteration of lubricant oil stolen from trucks.
-
Brazilian giant expands borders in the Southeast: Petrobras confirms new oil discovery in ultra-deep waters in the pre-salt of the Campos Basin.
-
Alert in the global energy market: Severe tropical cyclone hits the coast and disrupts gas production at major plants in Australia, threatening global supply.
-
Petrobras finds high-quality oil in the pre-salt at 113 km from RJ and reignites expectations about strategic reserves in the Campos Basin.
-
Ocyan opens registrations for startups focused on innovation in the oil and gas sector and will select projects for Innovation Day with the support of Nexio.
The estimated total loss exceeds R$ 37.5 million, with R$ 36 million related to product adulteration and R$ 1.5 million to oil theft.
The investigations revealed that the group operated with front companies, false documents, vehicles registered in third-party names, and clandestine refineries.
The gang used tank trucks, cars, and motorcycles to transport the stolen material, camouflaging clandestine siphons in pipelines with concrete and vegetation.
Oil Theft: Police Operation Identifies Clandestine Refineries
The DDSD began its operation in Duque de Caxias, after Transpetro technicians identified suspicious movements in a pipeline located in Queimados, in December 2023. At the site, a clandestine underground siphon was found, camouflaged with concrete and vegetation, used to illegally extract oil.
The investigation indicated that the criminal group used properties as clandestine refineries and front companies to dispose of the stolen product. The scheme involved falsification of documents and the use of vehicles registered in third-party names, making tracking difficult for authorities.
The loss to the state-owned Transpetro exceeds R$ 1.5 million, directly affecting energy security and the integrity of national infrastructure.
Lubricant Oil Adulteration: Sophisticated and Dangerous Fraud
Simultaneously, the DRFC launched the second phase of the “On the Trail of Oil” operation, focused on combating lubricant oil adulteration. The gang robbed cargo trucks, mainly in Duque de Caxias, and resold the adulterated products in specialized establishments at below-market prices.
The adulteration involved chemical mixtures, label forgery, and irregular bottling. These products were distributed on a large scale, deceiving consumers and harming competition in the sector. According to the Civil Police of RJ, 152 cargo theft incidents related to the group were identified.
The estimated economic impact is R$ 36 million, in addition to the health risks to consumers and damage to vehicles using adulterated products.
Locations of the Police Operation and Warrants Executed
The search and seizure warrants were executed in:
- City of Rio de Janeiro
- Duque de Caxias
- Nova Iguaçu
- Barra Mansa
The police operation mobilized dozens of specialized agents, focusing on dismantling the logistical and business networks of the gang. The action was planned based on four years of investigation, which allowed for mapping the entire criminal chain involved.
Strategy of the Civil Police of RJ to Dismantle the Million-Dollar Scheme
The Civil Police of RJ utilized advanced intelligence techniques, data cross-referencing, and monitoring of suspicious movements to identify those involved. The police operation resulted from meticulous work that involved document analysis, authorized wiretaps, and cooperation with regulatory agencies.
The joint action between DRFC and DDSD demonstrates the corporation’s ability to deal with complex crimes and significant economic impact. The integration between specialized delegations was essential for the success of the operation.
Data and Statistics on Oil Theft and Lubricant Oil Adulteration
- 152 occurrences of cargo theft attributed to the gang
- R$ 36 million in losses caused by lubricant oil adulteration
- R$ 1.5 million in losses resulting from oil theft in Transpetro pipelines
- 12 search and seizure warrants executed in four cities in RJ
These numbers reveal the extent of the million-dollar scheme and the need for ongoing actions to protect the market and consumers.
Risks to Society Caused by Oil Theft and Adulterated Products
The adulteration of lubricant oil poses a direct risk to vehicle safety, potentially causing severe mechanical failures and accidents. Additionally, oil theft compromises the integrity of pipelines, potentially causing leaks and severe environmental impacts.
The million-dollar scheme also affects the competitiveness of the sector, harming companies that operate legally and generate jobs. The actions of the Civil Police of RJ are crucial to restoring trust in the market and ensuring consumer protection.
Repercussions of the Action by the Civil Police of RJ and Upcoming Developments
The operation received extensive media coverage and attention from authorities in the energy sector. The expectation is that new phases of the investigation will be launched in the coming months, aiming to arrest the leaders of the organization and recover part of the losses.
The Civil Police of RJ reaffirms its commitment to combating organized crime and protecting essential services for the population. The operation also serves as a warning for companies in the sector, which must strengthen their security and traceability protocols.
Why This Case Requires Continuous Attention and Vigilance
The police operation conducted on September 30, 2025 represents a milestone in combating the theft of oil and the adulteration of lubricant oil in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
With losses exceeding R$ 37 million, the million-dollar scheme dismantled by the Civil Police of RJ highlights the complexity and reach of criminal organizations operating in the energy sector.
Protecting natural resources and ensuring the quality of marketed products is a collective responsibility. The operation reinforces the importance of oversight and strict punishment of offenders, contributing to a safer and fairer environment for all.
Seja o primeiro a reagir!