On Monday, state revenue inspectors from the Secretary of State for Finance (Sefa) in Brazil seized 120 heads of cattle that were being transported with a significantly undervalued invoice. This incident took place at the Coordination of Control of Goods in Transit in Gurupi, located in the municipality of Cachoeira do Piriá, which is on the border of Pará and Maranhão. The cattle, whose estimated value totals R$ 309,710, were initially reported to be transported from Tavares in Paraíba to Ipixuna do Pará.

During the inspection, Sefa officials discovered discrepancies in the documentation. The invoice indicated an undervalued price of R$ 83.33 per head of cattle. This figure contrasts starkly with the regulated price set by regional guidelines, which lists the minimum price for cattle from 0 to 12 months at R$ 2,114.25 and for those aged 12 to 24 months at R$ 3,214.25. Coordinator Gustavo Bozola highlighted that the price recorded in the invoice was far below these market valuations, which raised suspicions and prompted further investigation.

This seizure underscores ongoing efforts by the government to enforce tax regulations and combat fraud in agricultural transactions. The significant undervaluing of livestock not only affects market integrity but also has implications for tax revenue for state governments. As inspections continue, authorities are looking to ensure compliance within the livestock trade to protect legitimate businesses and public funds.