Brazil Cracks Down on Illegal Amazon Gold Mining

Brazilian police launched a massive operation against illegal gold mining in the Amazon, targeting a criminal network accused of laundering 3.1 tonnes of gold. Numerous arrests and search warrants were executed. Federal officers uncovered fraudulent claims regarding the ore's origin and seized assets totaling 2.9 billion reais.

Brazilian police launched an extensive operation on Monday targeting illegal gold mining activities in the Amazon, raiding a criminal organization involved in the production and sale of 3.1 tonnes of gold. Authorities said fraudulent papers were used to disguise the origin of the gold.

The federal police executed numerous arrests and served over two dozen search and seizure warrants, primarily in southern Para state, where illegal gold mining has escalated, especially in protected Indigenous reservation areas. "We found that at least 3.14 tons of illegally extracted gold had been laundered using fraudulent statements of the ore's origin," the statement revealed.

Gold was mainly refined in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, a northern city in Sao Paulo state with a significant jewelry sector. The refined gold was mixed with legal gold, complicating the tracing of illegal metal. A federal judge ordered the confiscation of 2.9 billion reais ($514 million) in assets, including vehicles, motorcycles, jewelry, and gold nuggets. The operation also led to the suspension of four companies, the revocation of six mining licenses, four gun permits, and the removal of four local government officials. Indigenous individuals were discovered to be part of the criminal group.

(With inputs from agencies.)