Thaís Brianezi
Reporter Agência Brasil

Manaus - The chief of Policing and Inspection of the Federal Highway Patrol (PRF) in the state of Amazonas, Jones Andrade de Menezes, has been fired. He is considered the leader of a corruption scheme consisting of kickbacks and bribes in the cargo transportation sector. Another 17 highway patrolmen have been arrested. That works out to about one-third of the highway patrolmen in Amazonas.

A number of arrests were also made at area transportation companies where adulterated vehicles and license plates were found. Police say the gang transported illegal lumber and was involved with stolen vehicles.

Translator: Allen Bennett