Brazilian soccer star Neymar has been slapped with a hefty fine of 16 million reais (approximately Ksh. 492.6 million) by the authorities for violating environmental regulations during the construction of his lavish coastal mansion in southeastern Brazil.
The luxury project has been accused of breaching rules related to the utilization and movement of freshwater sources, rock, and sand. These allegations, initially raised by local authorities last month, were officially confirmed on Monday.
While approached for a comment, Neymar’s spokesperson chose not to respond to the matter. The athlete’s residence is situated in the scenic town of Mangaratiba, located on the picturesque southern coast of Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil.
The environmental body of Mangaratiba released a statement on Monday, highlighting that the violations occurred specifically during the construction of an artificial lake within Neymar’s mansion premises.
In addition to the substantial fine, the case will undergo further investigation by several environmental control bodies, including the local attorney general’s office, state civil police, and the environmental protection office.
The incident surrounding Neymar’s coastal mansion underscores the importance of complying with environmental regulations and serves as a reminder that even public figures are subject to scrutiny when it comes to preserving and protecting the natural environment.
