The Gazette | Operation targets cartel scheme in gas cylinder prices in Serra

The Specialized Consumer Protection Police Station (Decon) of Espírito Santo carried out, this Wednesday (24), an operation to dismantle a cartel scheme – when traders ‘agree’ an equal price to pass on to customers – of gas cylinders kitchen. According to the Civil Police, the crime initially occurred in six companies located in Serra.

In total, two search and seizure warrants were executed, three clandestine gas dealers (i.e., without permission to operate) were banned and, approximately, 380 gas cylinders were seized.

Operation targets cartel scheme in gas cylinder prices in Serra (Civil Police)

Delegate Eduardo Passamani, head of the Specialized Consumer Protection Police Station, explained that the scheme was discovered after complaints about values ​​in the Feu Rosa region. During the investigation, a local dealer wanted to report the crime.

“He said that [até] I was able to offer a cheaper price, R$85, but there was a combination of prices there to eliminate competitors and impose a base price on residents. I was being coerced,” he stated.

After the corporation seized four cell phones, with the intention of collecting evidence; and also identified clandestine resellers.

Depending on the development of the investigations, according to the Civil Police, the suspects could be held liable for combining prices and operating establishments without authorization, totaling ten years in prison.

“There is also evidence that they tried to evade police action, as they used unmarked vehicles. In this case, a criminal association comes into play, with a penalty of eight years”, highlighted police chief Eduardo Passamani.

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