HI there,
Can anyone help? I would greatly appreciate it. Doesn't need to speak English - I can communicate just fine in Portuguese. Just needs to be good in this area of law and needs to be honest.
My situation:
Worked in Brazil for a couple of years at a Federal University. Was used by my supervising Professor to obtain equipment for 'short temporary projects' under temporary import, with the intention that they would always be returned to USA after the projects were completed. After they were completed, I was promised that they would be re-patriated back to USA via FedEx a few months' later as there were a couple more key projects to finalise. This Professor filled out all of the documents under my name and passport for me and also lied to the customs officers about a return date (they called him from Viracopos, SP when I entered). I now have a very large debt (thousands) to the Receita Federal as the deadline to re-export has lapsed.
This is only a problem for me in future if I enter the country as it will show up as I depart and they will demand payment for the taxes, which are around R$20k. I would like to be able to return again one day and still hold a valid RNE and BR driver's licence, not that that's of any relevance or use.
Why I need your help/advice:
Resolving things from abroad can be tough if not impossible.
Resolving things from abroad for a gringo probably is impossible. No one wants to help, few understand the rights and options.
SAANA do not want to help; they basically said it was too difficult to advise on and to get a lawyer.
Finding a lawyer willing to start this sort of battle? Hmmm.
Thank you. Any useful info would be great.
Regards