Brazil STJ allows seizure of equipment used in environmental crimes regardless of owner knowledge

Brazil's Superior Tribunal de Justiça ruled that machinery used in environmental offenses can be seized and forfeited even if the owner was unaware of its misuse, as in a tractor rented for illegal deforestation. This sets a precedent increasing legal risk for agribusiness lessors, potentially affecting equipment financing and rental practices. The ruling's full implications remain unclear as details are limited.