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Civil Police of Rio Launches Operations Against Criminal Groups Engaged in Oil Diversion and Lubricating Oils Adulteration. Investigations Reveal Million-Dollar Losses and Risks to the Population.
The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro carried out, on Tuesday (30), two simultaneous operations to weaken criminal organizations operating on different fronts. On one side, groups specialized in oil theft from Transpetro pipelines. On the other, gangs adulterated lubricating oil shipments and illegally supplied the trade in the state.
The actions took place in municipalities in Baixada Fluminense and in cities in the interior, as well as in the capital. The teams executed numerous search and seizure warrants, focusing on gathering evidence, documents, and vehicles.
Oil Diversions in Transpetro Pipelines
Investigations by the Delegacy of Defense of Delegated Services (DDSD) identified a sophisticated oil theft scheme. The group, which had the support of front companies and properties used to hide assets, reportedly caused losses exceeding R$ 1.5 million.
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The case came to light in December 2023 when Transpetro reported suspicious activity in one of the pipelines in the municipality of Queimados. At the site, agents discovered a subterranean diversion camouflaged by concrete and vegetation. The equipment included valves and hoses, evidencing the clandestine fuel diversion.
According to the police, among those investigated are Clebson Aquilino Alves and Elton Nunes de Andrade, the latter being a repeat offender for fuel theft crimes. Three warrants were executed at addresses linked to the group, including properties in Duque de Caxias.
Authorities highlight that besides financial losses, this type of crime generates serious risks: fires, explosions, environmental damage, and even the possibility of energy shortages.
Operation Against Lubricating Oils Adulteration
Meanwhile, the Delegacy of Robberies and Thefts of Cargo in the Capital (DRFC-CAP) executed the second phase of the so-called “Operation In the Wake of Oil”. The target was a criminal network involved in the adulteration and distribution of stolen lubricating oils.
Nine warrants were executed in Duque de Caxias, Nova Iguaçu, Barra Mansa and also in the West Zone of Rio. Among the inspected locations was a luxury mansion located in Barra da Tijuca, where the investigated businessmen were allegedly involved in the scheme.
The investigations indicate that the criminals falsified labels, performed chemical mixtures, and resold the adulterated products at prices well below the market rate. This practice, besides harming consumers and serious companies, is estimated to have caused a loss of R$ 36 million to the sector over four years. During this period, 152 occurrences related to the group were recorded.
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