Brazilian Federal Police say they are dismantling a criminal gang they believe is the “biggest destroyer” of the Amazon rainforest in that South American country.  Authorities say the gang has caused more than A$237 Million in damage to the rainforest.

“The Federal Police carried out today Operation Chestnut Tree designed to dismantle a criminal organization specializing in land grabbing and environmental crimes in the city of Novo Progresso, in the south-western region of Para,” read the police statement.  “Those involved in these criminal actions are considered the greatest destroyers of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.”

Authorities accuse the gang of invading, logging, and burning large areas of public land to make way for cattle and beef production.  They even allegedly sold plot of public land for farming and grazing.  In addition to environmental crimes, the gang will face charges of forgery, conspiracy, tax evasion, and money laundering.