Former Rio Governor Cláudio Castro Targeted in Federal Police Fuel Sector Operation

Cláudio Castro, the former governor of Rio de Janeiro, has become the target of search and seizure warrants executed by the Brazilian Federal Police (PF) in a major operation dubbed 'Operation Without Refining.' Launched on May 15, 2026, the investigation focuses on a fuel sector conglomerate suspected of engaging in tax fraud, asset concealment, and the illegal transfer of funds abroad. The PF alleges that the group utilized complex corporate structures to obscure asset tracking and resource movement. Authorized by the Federal Supreme Court (STF), the operation involved the execution of 17 search and seizure warrants and seven removal orders from public service across Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and the Federal District. Authorities also ordered the blocking of approximately R$52 billion in financial assets linked to the suspects and suspended the economic activities of the implicated companies. Additionally, one individual under investigation was added to the Interpol Red Diffusion list. The Federal Revenue Service provided technical support for the probes, which are connected to broader investigations into criminal organizations and their potential ties to public agents in Rio de Janeiro under ADPF 635/RJ.