The Federal Police executed search and seizure warrants at former Rio de Janeiro governor Cláudio Castro's (PL) residence this Friday (15), as part of Operation Sem Refino investigating fiscal fraud in the fuel sector. The operation was authorized by Justice Alexandre de Moraes under Petition (PET) 16028, which had its secrecy lifted by the rapporteur. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"As medidas foram tomadas no âmbito da Petição [ (PET) 16028](https://portal.stf.jus.br/processos/detalhe.asp?incidente=7588220), que teve o sigilo retirado pelo relator. A operação foi autorizada pelo ministro com o aval do Ministério Público Federal (MPF)."
"A Polícia Federal deflagrou na manhã desta sexta-feira (15) a Operação Sem Refino, que investiga suspeitas de fraudes fiscais envolvendo a Refit — a antiga Refinaria de Manguinhos."
The investigation primarily targets the Refit Group — formerly Manguinhos Refinery — suspected of using complex corporate structures to hide assets and send resources abroad. According to the Federal Police, the conglomerate is identified by the Federal Revenue Service as the country's largest habitual tax debtor, with debts exceeding R$ 26 billion. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Apontado pela Receita Federal como o maior devedor contumaz de impostos do país, com dívidas que superam R$ 26 bilhões, o Grupo Refit já havia sido alvo da Operação Poço de Lobato em novembro de 2025."
"A investigação aponta que a Refit teria usado sua estrutura societária e financeira para ocultar patrimônio, dissimular bens e enviar recursos ao exterior."
Besides Castro, targets include businessman Ricardo Magro, the refinery's owner, suspended judge Guaraci de Campos Vianna, former state Finance Secretary Juliano Pasqual, and former state Attorney General Renan Saad. The Justice ordered the freezing of R$ 52 billion in financial assets of the investigated companies and requested Magro's inclusion in Interpol's Red Notice. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"a Justiça determinou o bloqueio de R$ 52 bilhões em ativos financeiros das empresas investigadas"
"A operação também mira o ex-secretário estadual de Fazenda Juliano Pasqual e o ex-procurador-geral do Estado Renan Saad. O empresário Ricardo Magro, dono da Refit, teve sua inclusão determinada na Difusão Vermelha da Interpol."
Castro resigned from the governor's office in March, one day before the Superior Electoral Court resumed proceedings that made him ineligible for abuse of political and economic power in the 2022 elections. Rio state is currently governed on an interim basis by the Court of Justice president, Judge Ricardo Couto. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Castro renunciou ao cargo de governador em 23 de março — um dia antes de o Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE) retomar o julgamento que o tornou inelegível por abuso de poder político e econômico nas eleições de 2022."
"Atualmente, o estado é governado interinamente pelo presidente do Tribunal de Justiça, desembargador Ricardo Couto."
Operation Sem Refino was authorized by Justice Alexandre de Moraes and primarily targeted the Refit Group
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Freezing of R$ 52 billion in financial assets of investigated companies
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What is the specific relationship between Cláudio Castro and the Refit Group's fiscal fraud scheme?
Why it's still unknown: Reports do not detail concrete suspicions against the former governor beyond being a target of search and seizure
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What evidence did the Federal Police obtain in the searches conducted?
Why it's still unknown: Operation recently launched, search results have not yet been disclosed
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What is the position of the defendants' legal counsel regarding the accusations?
Why it's still unknown: Only one source mentions that Castro's lawyer had not been informed about the motivation for the searches
Did not cover: Jc -
What doctrinal test will the STF apply in analyzing the operation and binding precedents?
Why it's still unknown: Sources focus on operational aspects but do not address the applicable legal-constitutional framework