A corruption scheme within departments of the São Paulo Civil Police has been uncovered, leading to the arrest of nine individuals, including three police officers and a money launderer, authorities announced Thursday. The operation, a joint effort between the São Paulo Public Ministry and the Federal Police, revealed allegations that officers accepted bribes—up to 33 million reais—to close investigations into suspected money laundering operations.
The investigation began with intercepted audio and text messages exposing the extent of the corruption. In one exchange, an individual allegedly involved in the scheme discussed a 33 million reais payment with another, stating, “I went to the police station… it’s regarding a transfer of (R$) thirty-three million. The delegate there is a real partner of mine, okay? Do you want me to do something there? I’m… I’ll wait for your guidance, okay?”
Intimidation and Pressure Tactics
Investigators found that police used figures like the 33 million reais as a means of intimidation and pressure against those under investigation, a strategy employed to increase the likelihood of a bribe. The case highlights a systemic issue of corruption within the São Paulo police force.
One target of the investigation vehemently denied the existence of the alleged 33 million reais transfer in a response to the audio exchange. Authorities confirmed that no such amount appears in the case files, characterizing it as “a mere instrument of pressure.”
Police allegedly solicited “tips” from criminals on how to create money, according to reports.
Another intercepted conversation revealed details of the agreement process. One individual told another, “So, when I spoke with the clerk, the clerk also said ‘ah, it’s seven hundred grand’ (R$ 700,000)… I said ‘man, forget it’ and then I lowered it to a small amount, you understand? And it was a hundred grand (R$ 100,000) there and then he said ‘man, okay, given that it’s for you!’ It’s just that I know the guys there, you understand?”
According to the court decision authorizing the operation, the individuals involved later discussed the possibility of a face-to-face meeting with public agents, referencing an “agreement” to “resolve” the issue related to the summons, indicating a bribe payment.
Further intercepted communications indicate multiple instances of fractional payments made by the suspects.
Police allegedly requested R$ 5 million to halt investigations, the Public Ministry stated.
Operation Bazaar Unveiled
The São Paulo Public Ministry and the Federal Police launched Operation Bazaar on Thursday to address corruption and money laundering within departments of the São Paulo Civil Police.
Authorities are executing 25 search and seizure warrants, including at police stations, along with 11 arrest warrants and six summonses related to various precautionary measures, targeting members of the criminal organization, lawyers, and civil police officers, as part of Operation Bazaar.
Among those targeted are money launderers Leonardo Meirelles and Meire Poza, previously implicated in the Lava Jato investigation, and identified as operators for the criminal group.
Nine people have been arrested to date, including two investigators, a police clerk, a delegate, and Meire Poza. Others are considered members of the criminal organization.
Authorities are still attempting to locate Leonardo Meirelles and another member of the group.
Systemic Corruption
The court decision authorizing the operation cited an “elevated degree of systemic police corruption” involving officers from the State Department of Criminal Investigations (DEIC), the Department of Citizen Protection (DPPC) and the 16th Police Precinct (Vila Clementino).
The investigation points to an “extensive and structured police corruption scheme aimed at protecting a criminal organization specializing in money laundering.” The criminal group consisted of money launderers, financial operators, and individuals with a history of money laundering.
The Public Ministry states that the organization operated in coordination to ensure the continuation of criminal practices and avoid the accountability of its members. To achieve this, they made systematic payments of undue advantages to public agents, in addition to employing strategies of procedural fraud, manipulation of investigations, and destruction of evidence within police investigations.
The operation is being carried out through the Integrated Force to Combat Organized Crime (FICCO) and with the support of the Civil Police’s Internal Affairs Department. In a joint meeting with Internal Affairs, it was decided to conduct extraordinary investigations in all police units involved to promote disciplinary accountability and investigate any other illegal acts that may have occurred within the departments.
In a statement, the São Paulo State Public Security Secretariat affirmed that the Civil Police does not condone misconduct by its members and will capture all appropriate legal and disciplinary measures if any irregularities are confirmed.
The CNN Brasil is attempting to reach the defense attorneys for those targeted. This space remains open for a statement.
