(Reuters) — Brazilian authorities announced on Monday that soccer star Neymar had been fined 16 million reais (about $3.5 million) for violating environmental regulations during the construction of his coastal villa in southeast Brazil.
The luxury project violated rules regarding the use and movement of freshwater sources, rocks and sand, local authorities first said late last month and confirmed on Monday.
A spokesman for Neymar declined to comment on the matter.
His residence is located in the city of Mangaratiba on the southern coast of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro.
Mangaratiba’s environmental agency said in a statement on Monday that environmental violations were committed “in the construction of an artificial lake in the villa.”
In addition to the fine, the case will be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office, the State Civil Police and the Environmental Protection Agency, among other environmental watchdog bodies.
