Corruption Crackdown: Brazil's Fuel Industry Under Fire

Brazil's federal police have launched an investigation involving former Rio de Janeiro governor Claudio Castro and Ricardo Magro, the owner of the refinery Refit, as part of a broader probe into potential tax evasion, according to sources close to the case.

The operation aims to examine a fuel industry conglomerate accused of concealing assets, orchestrating asset disguises, and transferring funds overseas. These activities prompted the Supreme Court to freeze approximately 52 billion reais, or $10.4 billion, in related assets.

Neither Castro nor Magro have responded to Reuters' requests for comments on the allegations. The investigation highlights significant financial scrutiny in Brazil's fuel sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)