São Paulo councillor detained in operation over millions diverted from bus company
Civil Police arrested Senival Moura (PT) in investigation into alleged irregular transfers at Transunião. Authorities claim the company's former director was executed in 2020 by criminals linked to the PCC.
São Paulo councillor detained in operation over millions diverted from bus company
São Paulo's Civil Police detained councillor Senival Moura (PT) on Wednesday (25th) on suspicion of participating in a scheme to divert resources from transport company Transunião. Authorities estimate that losses could reach 15 million reais.
Investigators believe that the parliamentarian was the principal recipient of the diverted funds. In an interview given to Folha de S.Paulo, delegate Ronaldo Sayeg, who heads the Deic, revealed surprising details about the case.
According to investigations, a former president of Transunião named Adauto Soares Jorge was executed in 2020 by criminals linked to the First Command of the Capital. The motivation allegedly stemmed from the faction's discovery of financial irregularities at the company. The councillor, unlike the former director, supposedly managed to escape the same punishment by promising to return the money that had been wrongfully withdrawn.
Sayeg explained that it was not possible to confirm either the exact amount promised by the politician or whether he actually fulfilled the reimbursement. Nevertheless, the version points to a direct negotiation between the councillor and members of the criminal organisation to save his own life.
Investigations indicate that Adauto Jorge held the position of formal president of Transunião, but in practice followed orders from people who did not appear in corporate records. Police identified Senival Moura and Leonel Moreira Martins as those responsible for controlling the company's business behind legal appearances.
The councillor's interference allegedly provoked disagreements within the PCC itself. During a previous search operation, agents found handwritten correspondence that exposed internal conflicts over the company's administration. One of the texts mentioned a supposed cleaning of the company, removing "untrustworthy people", and included Leonel on the list of those who should be removed.
In these documents, Senival Moura appeared under various nicknames, amongst them "cabeça branca", "véio", "velhinho" and simply "vereador". Another seized note suggested that Leonel obeyed the politician's orders and that both were involved in the irregular manoeuvres.
Police attribute the assassination of Adauto to two individuals: Jair Ramos de Freitas, nicknamed Cachorrão, who allegedly held the role of informal director of the company, and Devanil de Souza Nascimento, known as Sapo, described as close to the councillor. Devanil's defence lawyer, José Miguel da Silva Júnior, contested his client's temporary detention and has already requested the revocation of the measure, arguing that he has always collaborated with authorities.
Investigators contend that the councillor transformed Transunião into a tool for moving resources unlawfully, with the aim of financing activities of associates of the PCC. Furthermore, investigations from this operation have connections to the inquiry that in May led to the arrest of lawyer and digital influencer Deolane Bezerra, accused of money laundering for the faction. She denies the accusations.
Senival Moura's communications team informed that an official statement about the case would be released, but did not indicate who would represent the councillor in court.
Source: Google News BR — São Paulo