Operation Saved Rivers seized weapons, approached 30 people and arrested 7 in the act
The PF (Federal Police) launched this Friday (25.abr.2025) Operation Saved Rivers, focused on combating illegal gold extraction in the historic cities of Minas Gerais. 30 people were approached, with 7 arrests in the act.
The operation also led to the seizure of two firearms. 8 ferries were destroyed, as well as dredges and engines used in illegal activity in Tiradentes and São João del Rei.
Investigations indicated that gold was extracted from the riverbed without authorization from ANM (National Mining Agency) and no environmental license. Activities can cause serious environmental damage, such as erosion, rivers siltation, fauna and flora damage, and water quality degradation.
Those responsible for these illegal activities will face accusations for the usurpation of a public good of the Union and environmental damage, with penalties that can reach 6 years of detention. Operation Saved Rivers inspected 16 extraction points, identifying illegal activities in 7 of them.
The operation is the result of the collaboration between the PF, the Environmental Military Police, the BOPE (Special Operations Battalion), the Comave (Minas Gerais State Aviation Command), Ibama (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) and ANM.
