Need a lawyer who understands customs regulations (Receita Federal)

Consider contacting STTAS do Brasil, a subsidiary of Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services (acquired last year by UPS):

Rua do Rocio, 351, 11th Floor
Vila Olimpia, São Paulo, SP 04552-000
Brazil
+55.11.3045.3080

They have the expertise to help you, and the contacts to recommend someone if they don't think that your situation is a good fit for them, or that they would cost you more than their help would be worth.

I don't think there much you can do....you imported the materials, legally you were responsible and the fact is they did not leave on time.

Thank you. Great advice. I will try this!

Oh there is plenty I can do. I am only just getting started with commencing problems for these Professors (one from Brazil, one from USA).

You see, I was invited by them to move to BR for 3 years and given a salary, paid for by the BR gov (CNPq). I didn't fill out any customs forms; they took my information and did so, stressing that this equipment was vital to the project and this was the only way we could get it into the country in time for use (3 months') and then it would be re-exported on flight xxxx. They even lied about a return trip to repatriate the equipment along with a genuine date, time and flight number. I was new to the country, vulnerable and did what I was told to do in order to get things done. When I left I was told that the Universities lawyers were working on the documentation and it would be transferred to a graduate student of this American professor.

So if the Brazilian legal system is going to tell me that it's all my fault, that's fine because things are a little bit different in USA and this BR Prof's entire lab is basically funded by this US professor. I have all of the documentation to prove exactly what happened and I will file a serious grievance against him which in turn will hopefully spark some sort of action from BR.

But first, let's see .... Maybe I can try the same thing with this particular federal university in Brazil first. Or does Brazil not have Codes of Ethical Practices and such to which their permanent faculty must abide by?

Well then it sounds like you already know what to do.....so why are you seeking advice on a random forum?

Seems like you were what's referred to as the "fall guy".

It's not a random forum. It's a place specifically where foreigners in Brazil come for advice and info. I would like to resolve things amicably first if possible, by using a local lawyer who understands this area of law. I don't wish to go down the other path.

You're not very empathetic - basically saying that I did it willingly so must face the consequences, this was my crime. Whatever.

If you have nothing to offer stop wasting your time commenting.