Brazil soccer star Neymar fined $3.5 mln for environmental offense
Sports
Environment body said the construction of artificial lake in his mansion was inappropriate
RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters) - Brazilian authorities said that soccer star Neymar was fined 16 million reais ($3.33 million) for breaching environmental rules during the construction of his coastal mansion in southeastern Brazil.
The luxury project violated rules regarding the use and movement of freshwater sources, rock and sand, local authorities first alleged late last month and confirmed on Monday.
His residence is located in the town of Mangaratiba on the southern coast of Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state.
Mangaratiba's environmental body said in a statement on Monday that environmental infractions were made "in the construction of an artificial lake at the mansion."
Besides the fine, the case will be probed by the local attorney general's office, the state civil police and environmental protection office, among other environmental control bodies.
