PF Dismantles Clandestine Cigarette Scheme and Rescues Paraguayans
Graduated in journalism from the State University of Bahia. Has worked for newspapers JC Concursos, Folha de S.Paulo, and O Estado de S.Paulo. Was a reporter for the portals Datagro and Broto. Has been a reporter for Revista Oeste since March 2026.
TL;DR
- Federal Police dismantled two clandestine cigarette factories and three warehouses.
- Over 20 Paraguayan workers were rescued from conditions analogous to slavery.
- The operation, codenamed Hesychia, occurred in ten municipalities across Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo.
- The criminal organization imported machinery and raw materials for illegal cigarette production.
- Workers were housed in improvised and degrading facilities within the warehouses.
- Indications of human trafficking were found during the investigation.
- Authorities seized thousands of cigarettes, tobacco, manufacturing materials, and four trucks.