Greenpeace acts dishonestly: lies to attack company in Brazil and attract donations

Joaquim de Carvalho

The Argentinians who staged a theatrical invasion of the Brazilian company JBS's headquarters in São Paulo were released by the Federal Police, despite the seriousness of the act. Yes, it is serious, as there appear to be geopolitical interests behind the operation — a pattern seen before in Operation Greenfield, considered a "sister" of Lava Jato.

This time, the attack on the Brazilian company is led by Greenpeace, a global NGO with vast financial resources that funds spectacular actions like the one on Tuesday in São Paulo.

The Greenpeace action comes at a moment when JBS gains international prominence, recently receiving approval from U.S. authorities to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange — in addition to already trading on Brazil’s B3. This week, it became one of the most valuable companies on the Brazilian exchange, alongside Petrobras and Vale.

Years ago, JBS acquired Swift, a U.S. capitalism icon. Not long after, federal prosecutors in Brazil began investigations into the company, ed by another foreign NGO: Transparency International.

Greenpeace has no convictions for traditional corruption, but is known for raising large sums from individuals through campaigns that seek public attention, even when not necessarily grounded in facts.

Founded in 1971 in Canada, after protesting U.S. nuclear tests, Greenpeace gained fame in 1975 with global images of its activists trying to stop whaling on the high seas.

What seems to matter most to Greenpeace is visibility — which drives donations. It is estimated the organization raises over R$1 billion annually worldwide and pays its directors well.

On Tuesday, its activists executed a cinematic stunt: using ladders and ropes to reach the rooftop of a JBS warehouse and hang banners — a tactic indicating training.

Their cause lacks consistency. They accuse JBS of being complicit in deforestation. Yet, in its own document, Greenpeace its it cannot prove JBS directly sourced cattle from deforested areas.

“It is not possible to confirm that the cattle from Tiborna Farm (Pará) were the same slaughtered by JBS. However, without full control over the supply chain, there is a high chance of contamination by deforestation,” the report says.

JBS has worked with the Agriculture Ministry to implement full traceability — something that actually aligns with the company's interest, especially as it exports to Europe, where failure to ensure compliance could lead to boycotts.

Patrick Moore, a Greenpeace co-founder who left the organization in 2006, exposed how the NGO began prioritizing sensationalism and fear tactics over science and reasoned discourse.

“They (the directors) used the organization for 'pop environmentalism' based on sensationalism, misinformation, and fear — appealing emotionally rather than intellectually,” he said.

Why?

“Because the environmental movement became more political than environmental,” Moore explained.

“They mainly focus on creating narratives to instill fear and guilt in the public so that people send them money,” he added.

In March, Greenpeace was sentenced by a U.S. court to pay over $660 million due to a protest against Energy Transfer aimed at blocking a pipeline in North Dakota. Jurors ruled that the NGO abused freedom of speech by spreading lies and engaging in violent acts. Greenpeace is appealing and has threatened to exit the U.S. if the appeal fails.

In the JBS invasion, a crime occurred — property was violated, and lives were endangered. If a security guard had reacted with force, possibly even with a firearm, it could have been deemed self-defense.

The activists scaled a tall gate and stormed into a room where a shareholder meeting was underway. Security tried to physically contain them — but the outcome could have been worse.

By releasing the invaders, the Federal Police missed an opportunity to investigate further. Still, it’s not too late. Authorities must determine how the operation was planned and whether it was influenced by external interests.

Former senator and Agriculture Minister Kátia Abreu commented on social media:

“Greenpeace needed the spotlight. They're fading and entangled in scandals. JBS is a Brazilian company — the world’s largest in animal protein. That hurts the gringos.”

She has a point.

So far, the Federal Police have refused to confirm whether an investigation was even opened. It is the duty of the State, through the PF, to do so. Failing to act would amount to dereliction of duty.