Lewandowski cites operation in the fuel sector and announces informal committee to contain crisis after meeting with industry
The Minister of Justice, Ricardo Lewandowski, said this Thursday (7.out.2025) that the federal government does not rule out the participation of organized crime in cases of methanol intoxication. The hypothesis, cited after meeting with the productive sector, was once by the São Paulo government.
In speech to journalists, the minister stressed that the investigations are embryonic, but that the Federal Police acts on two fronts: to verify that methanol has plant or fossil origin.
“If this methanol originates from fossil fuels, it is another investigation hypothesis. Everyone knows that we recently had a major fuel operation, in which many trucks were abandoned. This is one of the versions being investigated by the Federal Police.”said Lewandowski, referring to that aims fraud, money laundering and evasion in the fuel sector.
The minister stated that when it comes to organized crime, it is not necessarily related to factions “Whose acronyms I don’t like to repeat”. I said it can “Eventually requesting the prosecutor’s cooperation to explore the criminal aspect”.
According to Lewandowski, the government also investigates any customs fraud and irregular trade over the internet. The priority is “Separate the chaff from the wheat” and punish those who adulted drinks intentionally.
As a referral, the Ministry of Justice announced the creation of an informal committee for information exchange, monitoring of measures and integration of laboratories and inspection bodies. A page on the Ministry’s website will also be created to publicize referrals.
The meeting participated in the (Brazilian Association of Beverages), the (Brazilian Association of Distilled Beverages), the (National Confederation of Industry), the (National Forum against Piracy and Illegality) and the (Brazilian Association to Combat Falsification), as well as representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Industry and Trade and the IRS.
30 Suspected Establishments
According to data from Senacom (National Consumer Secretariat), the federal government identified 30 suspicious establishments and 25 distributors or associations were notified to provide information on possible irregularities.
According to Secretary Paulo Henrique Pereira, most occurrences are concentrated in the state of São Paulo, but there are also records in Pernambuco and Paraná.
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Companies have 48 hours to present information. Predicted punishments include fines, interdiction and revocation of permits.
Senacom structured 3 work fronts to deal with the case:
- information – Rapid communication between authorities and private sector;
- Supervision and Suppression – Identify adulterated drink suppliers; and
- Technical Solutions – Articulation with research centers and rapid test development.
