In Brasília, energy sector leaders and lawmakers are convening for a crucial seminar to debate strategies for combating fuel fraud and organized crime, thereby strengthening the national market’s security and legality.
The fight for an integral and fair fuel market in Brazil is gaining prominence with the seminar “Fuel for a Legal Brazil: preventing and enhancing the fight against fraud and organized crime,” scheduled for this Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in the federal capital. The event, promoted by the Instituto Combustível Legal with valuable support from Poder360, will bring together key voices from the legislative and executive branches, as well as industry representatives, to discuss essential measures aimed at eradicating illegal practices that compromise the nation’s sustainability and energy security.
The central point of the debate is the urgent need to improve oversight mechanisms and legislative tools to curb the infiltration of organized crime into the fuel supply chain. The presence of senators and federal representatives, who are authors or rapporteurs of proposals directly linked to the topic, underscores the agenda’s relevance for strengthening governance and transparency in one of the most vital sectors of the Brazilian economy.
Legislative Commitment Against Fraud in the Energy Sector
The participation of figures such as Senator Efraim Filho (PL-PB), rapporteur of Complementary Law No. 225 of 2026, known as the Persistent Debtor Law, highlights the commitment to creating a more equitable business environment. This legislation is fundamental for distinguishing between an occasional debtor and one who adopts default as part of their operational model, a crucial step to combat unfair competition and protect the legal fuel market. Joining him are Senator Jaime Bagattoli (PL-RO), rapporteur of Bill No. 1,482 of 2019, and Federal Representative Julio Lopes (PP-RJ), author of Bill No. 2,646 of 2025, the “Anti-Crime Package,” proposals that aim to further strengthen legal instruments for confronting organized crime in the energy sector.
Public-Private Dialogue for Integrity
In addition to lawmakers, the seminar will feature prominent figures such as Artur Watt Neto, director-general of the ANP (National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels), and key government and industry representatives. The event’s opening will be led by Emerson Kapaz, president of the Instituto Combustível Legal, and Paulo Marcelo Pizorusso, substitute general coordinator of Research and Investigation at the Federal Revenue Service. This diverse panel composition underscores the multifaceted approach required to combat fuel fraud and foster a safer, more reliable business environment for clean and sustainable energy.
Challenges and Solutions on the Agenda: Ethanol and Improved Regulation
The seminar’s first panel will delve into crucial topics for the regulatory agenda, such as the urgency of single-phase ethanol taxation, a vital issue for the bioenergy industry, the effective application of the Persistent Debtor Law, and improvements in oversight. This debate will feature specialists such as Carlos Alberto Cincurá Júnior, Deputy Secretary of Revenue for Rio de Janeiro; Carlo Faccio, Executive Director of Instituto Combustível Legal; Evandro Gussi, President of Unica (Brazilian Sugarcane and Bioenergy Industry Association); and Thiago Borges Skaf, Director of Government Relations and Sustainability at Unem (National Union of Corn Ethanol), demonstrating the commitment to innovation and sustainability in the sector.
The Role of Congress in Strengthening the Fuel Supply Chain
The second panel, in turn, will focus on the indispensable need for new legislative instruments to confront organized crime throughout the fuel supply chain. The discussion with congress members will be fundamental for aligning legislative priorities with oversight and repression needs. The objective is to create a robust legal framework that ensures legal certainty and the competitiveness of the fuel market, protecting investments and improving the environment for the development of cleaner energies.
This seminar represents a milestone in the ongoing effort to build a more ethical and resilient fuel market in Brazil. The discussions and proposals presented are crucial for advancing legislation and oversight practices, ensuring that the energy sector operates with greater transparency and fairness. The fight against tax evasion and fraud not only strengthens the economy but also paves the way for a future with greater energy security and investments in clean and sustainable sources. Full coverage of the event by Poder360, including live streaming on YouTube and availability of the recording, will allow a broad audience to closely follow these vital debates for the country’s economic and social development.
