Inea employees are investigated for granting illegal licenses in exchange for bribes | Rio de Janeiro

Rio – Four employees of the State Institute of the Environment (Inea) were the target of search and seizure warrants, this Wednesday (27), on suspicion of operating an illegal scheme to improperly grant environmental licenses in Nova Iguaçu. The process takes place in secret from the courts.

Investigations by the Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ) began after news, confirmed by the agency, that a company had illegally obtained an Environmental Operating License and Pesticide Control Certificate, despite failing to comply with several rules and omitting documents suitable.

The Criminal Investigation Prosecutor’s Office of Nova Friburgo, with the support of the Security and Intelligence Coordination, found that this same company, which was not even based in Nova Friburgo, obtained the licenses in a quick 24 hours. After the case came to light, the licenses were administratively canceled by the Inea Board of Directors.

“In the case of one of them (licenses), the protocol was carried out on 11/08/22. The analysis of the procedure began at 10:02 am on 11/09/22 and was concluded at 1:26 pm on the same day, with inspection waived and no certified documentary irregularities”.

The Prosecutor’s Office highlighted, in its application, that “the improper granting of environmental licenses to those who do not meet the requirements is capable of generating impacts that can significantly and irreversibly affect the environment, a greater asset that should be the object of protection by Inea”.

The crimes possibly committed are those described in articles 299, 317, 319, 321 and 333 of the Penal Code: ideological falsehood, passive corruption, malfeasance, administrative advocacy and active corruption.

In a statement, the State Environmental Institute informed that, in case of conviction in court, the employees will be punished. However, it was not clear whether they were removed or are still active.

“The State Environmental Institute (Inea) monitors the action of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and is available to collaborate with the investigation. Inea reiterates that it does not condone misconduct and that, once any irregularity is proven, all foreseen measures will be adopted in legislation to punish professionals involved in illegal acts”, he concluded.

Warrants

When determining the search and seizure warrants, the Court of the 2nd Criminal Court of Nova Friburgo highlighted: the facts narrated in these records express undeniable gravity, as they involve the improper granting of environmental licenses for road transport activities of waste and products hazardous substances and pesticide control activities (commercialization/use)”.

The employees responsible for granting the licenses had their cell phones seized and their bank secrecy broken. Furthermore, the MP seized documents at the INEA headquarters in Nova Friburgo.