SAO PAULO — Brazilian police launched Thursday a police operation to dismantle a major tax evasion and money-laundering scheme in the fuel sector. The group under investigation is the country’s largest tax debtor, owing more than 26 billion reais ($4.8 billion), authorities said. Local and state authorities are carrying out 126 search and seizure warrants targeting individuals and companies in five states. According to Brazil’s Federal Revenue, the organization used its own companies, investment funds and offshore entities to hide and shield profits.

Officials did not name any individuals or companies targeted, but local media reported the operations under investigation involve Grupo Fit, a fuel refinery. Grupo Fit did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated P

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