The Civil Police of Rio Grande do Sul launched Operation Golden Mud on Thursday (16th), which investigates a scheme of diversion and adulteration of fertilizers within the Yara Fertilizantes unit, located in the Industrial District of Rio Grande (RS).
Operation Golden Mud investigates an internal scheme that allegedly caused damage of up to R$ 20 million to the company; product was removed from the unit and adulterated before being resold.
The action resulted in the arrest of two company employees, identified as members of a group that allegedly used internal access to the facilities to remove shipments of high commercial-value fertilizers and resell them irregularly.
According to investigations, the scheme could have caused estimated damage of up to R$ 20 million to the company.
The suspects allegedly took advantage of the relationship of trust and knowledge of the unit's internal operations to carry out the diversions, primarily during nighttime hours.
Fertilizer was adulterated with industrial residue
According to police investigation, the group removed pure fertilizer from the company, valued at approximately R$ 4,000 per ton, and carried out adulteration with a material known as "sweep mud," an industrial residue of low commercial value, estimated at around R$ 80 per ton.
After mixing, the product was put back on the market as if it were conventional fertilizer, generating illegal profit for those involved and loss to the company.
Investigations began in early in the year, after anonymous reports indicated suspicious movement of trucks in the vicinity of the unit.
Company states it is a victim and cooperates with investigation
In an official statement, Yara Fertilizantes reported that it confirmed the police operation involving employees of the Rio Grande unit and stressed that it is a victim of the illegal acts under investigation.
The company further stated that it is cooperating fully with the authorities, but will not release additional information at this time due to the secrecy of the police inquiry.
The investigated individuals must initially answer for crimes such as qualified theft and criminal organization.
The Civil Police continues its efforts to identify other individuals involved and possible receivers of the adulterated fertilizer.
Impact on the fertilizer supply chain
The case draws attention to the challenges of operational security, inventory control and traceability in industrial units linked to the fertilizer sector, a strategic segment for Brazilian agribusiness and port logistics operations.
The Yara unit in Rio Grande is located in a strategic region for receiving, processing and distributing agricultural inputs, connecting industrial operations, road transport and the agribusiness supply chain.
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