JBS۪s Batista Brothers Formally Accused of Insider Trading by Police

Wesley Batista (R), chief executive of JBS S.A., the world's largest beef producer, leaves the Federal Police headquarters to give a testimony in the Federal Court in Sao Paulo, Brazil September 13, 2017.
Wesley Batista (R), chief executive of JBS S.A., the world's largest beef producer, leaves the Federal Police headquarters to give a testimony in the Federal Court in Sao Paulo, Brazil September 13, 2017.
(REUTERS/Leonardo Benassatto)

Federal police in Brazil sent a formal request to prosecutors to pursue insider trading charges against Wesley and Joesley Batista, owners of JBS SA.

On Sept. 21, police accused both Batista brothers of illegally profiting on trades made prior to a plea bargain deal in mid-May. Police allege the brothers saved $44 million by doing illegal trades prior to the announcement of the plea agreement, according to a report by Reuters.

The plea deal was arranged with federal prosecutors after Wesley and Joesley Batista admitted to bribing 1,900 politicians. The corruption scandal goes all the way to the top of Brazilian politics with President Michel Temer’s alleged involvement.

Joesley Batista was the first to go to jail on Sept. 10 when he turned himself into authorities when it was revealed he may have taken advantage of prosecutors during the plea deal by withholding information. Wesley Batista was then arrested on Sept. 13 for insider trading and a warrant was issued for Joesley’s involvement.

A request to release the brothers from jail was denied on Sept. 22 by the Supreme Court, upholding a decision made by a lower court earlier in the week.

By law, prosecutors in Brazil are left to handle lodging formal charges once a police investigation has concluded.

Following the legal developments JBS has restructured the business by removing Wesley as the CEO and bringing back his father and company founder, José Batista Sobrinho, to run the world's largest meat packer.

Here is a list of some of the latest headlines involving JBS and the Batista family:

JBS Names Founder José Batista Sobrinho as CEO, Two Sons in Jail

Brazilian Authorities Arrest JBS CEO Batista for Insider Trading

Billionaire Co-owner of JBS Gives Himself up to Police in Brazil

Brazil's JBS Sets Up Independent Governance Board for U.S. Unit

JBS Plans to List U.S. Unit as Brazil Presses for CEO's Ouster

JBS Sells Canadian Cattle Feeding Business for $40 Million

Brazilian Meatpacker JBS Unveils $1.8 Billion Divestment Plan

 

Tags

Packer
 

Latest News

Beef Production
Agriculture Emissions Fall to Lowest Levels in 10 Years
Agriculture Emissions Fall to Lowest Levels in 10 Years

U.S. agriculture reduced greenhouse gas emissions through voluntary conservation efforts and market-based incentives.

American Farm Bureau Federation
Beef Production
Estrus Detection Aids and Timed Cattle Breeding
Estrus Detection Aids and Timed Cattle Breeding

The advent of timed AI protocols became a game-changer in allowing professionals, like AI technicians or veterinarians, to breed many females effectively and quickly.

Ag Industry Releases
Beef Production
Trace Mineral Verification Program Supports Optimal Performance
Trace Mineral Verification Program Supports Optimal Performance

One of the industry’s leading collaborations between Purina Animal Nutrition and Zinpro helps optimize cattle performance.

Ag Industry Releases
Beef Production
Westfahl Succeeds Borck as ILS Chairman
Westfahl Succeeds Borck as ILS Chairman

Innovative Livestock Services, Inc., announces leadership change for the company that represents eleven feedyards

Drovers news source
Industry
Worth Ranch to Receive Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award
Worth Ranch to Receive Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award

The award honors farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Casey Langan
Industry
Meat Institute Honors 2023 Environmental Achievement Award Winners
Meat Institute Honors 2023 Environmental Achievement Award Winners

More than 200 meat and poultry plants were recognized by The Meat Institute at the 2024 Environmental, Labor and Safety+ Conference in New Orleans for their positive environmental impact efforts.

Jennifer Shike
View More