Following extensive illegal deforestation the state of Rondônia is suing JBS SA and three other packers for illegal purchase of cattle raised on protected areas.  The Jaci-Parana Reserve was established as a nature sanctuary from land subjected to illegal deforestation.  The Reserve was set aside for indigenous people who have been effectively displaced by coercive tactics including murder.  Ranchers have illegally entered the reserve and are producing cattle allegedly sold to JBS and three other packers.  The state of Rondônia is claiming an initial $3.4 million for “invading, occupying, exploiting, environmental damage for economic advantage on protected land”. The lawsuit places damage to the reserve at $1 billion due mainly to illegal logging and raising of cattle. The extent of deforestation and the areas affected are regularly documented using satellite mapping and surveillance.

The Jaci-Parana Reserve was in part funded by the World Bank during the 1990’s after inappropriately funding a highway that encouraged settlers to move to the area. This resulted ultimately in the loss of 40 percent of the State rainforest through the activity of miners, loggers and ranchers.  The reserve extends over 580 square miles and represents an almost irreversible transition of rainforest to grassland.  Illegal possession of previous rainforest acreage was legitimized during the tenure of Jair Bolsonaro the previous President, assisted by a political crony Marcos Rocha, then governor of Rondônia.  In this initiative over 750 land-grabbers gained title to deforested land.

JBS SA claims that 94 percent of their cattle purchases comprise legal animals although the Federal Prosecution Service of Brazil maintains that 12 percent of cattle raised in Rondônia come from restricted areas. Ranchers and packers have become adept at deception through transfer of cattle across State lines and presenting spurious documentation.