Brazil Seizes Nine Bizjets, Alleging Tax Fraud

Brazilian tax authorities, police and aviation officials seized nine business jets late last month and have targeted 13 more. Allegedly, Brazilians own and use the jets but registered them overseas to avoid state and federal taxes of nearly 35 percent. The value of the jets, $275 million, is almost equal to the country’s total customs seizures last year. Foreign aircraft can legally remain in Brazil for up to 60 days annually without paying import duties. When informed of a usage pattern consistent with Brazilian ownership and use, or even domestic charter use, authorities suspended takeoff authorizations for the targeted jets for 15 days while courts issued seizure orders.