Vasco da Gama and Vila Nova footballers investigated for drug and arms trafficking in Brazil
Brazilian police have conducted searches on football players and agents suspected of links to a drug trafficking, arms trafficking and money-laundering network.
Police operation targets football players with alleged links to interstate criminal network
Brazilian police launched an operation on Monday against football players and agents suspected of links to a criminal organisation dedicated to drug and arms trafficking and money laundering, with activity across several states in the country. The Observer, based on information from G1, reports that the action mobilised approximately 100 officers, 40 vehicles and two helicopters, carrying out a total of 15 residential searches and four preventive detention warrants executed in the states of Espírito Santo, Goiás, Rio de Janeiro and in the Federal District.
Among the main targets is David Corrêa da Fonseca, known as DVD, a 30-year-old forward for Vasco da Gama and one of the club's standout players since 2024. The authorities conducted searches at his residence in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, seizing mobile phones and documents, and extended the operation to the club's training facilities. The player drove to the training centre in his own vehicle — with a number plate beginning with "DVD" — to oversee the proceedings. Upon leaving, he chose not to make any statements. In a statement, Vasco da Gama said it was cooperating with the authorities and awaiting the outcome of the investigations.
Hayner, right-back for Vila Nova of Goiás, was also targeted. The authorities conducted searches at the player's home and at the club's facilities. Vila Nova reported that Hayner denied any involvement, attributing the suspicions to "a childhood friendship with one of the men being investigated for drug trafficking", from the same community where the footballer grew up in Espírito Santo.
Renyer Oliveira, who came through Santos' youth system and is currently playing for Azuriz in Paraná, was intercepted during the operation for alleged failure to comply with a court order. The club clarified, however, that Renyer is not related to the facts being investigated and that he continues to train normally.
"The operation is part of coordinated action between the Civil Police forces of the states to enforce court measures and confront criminal organisations that operate across state lines," the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro stated, cited by G1.
The investigation is being conducted by the Civil Police of Espírito Santo. According to the Brazilian press, other professional athletes and agents may also be involved in the criminal group.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)