The Minister of Justice and Public Security of Brazil, Ricardo Lewandowski, stated in a press conference on Sunday (March 24) that the investigations by the Federal Police clarified the masterminds behind the assassination of councilwoman Marielle Franco and her driver Anderson Gomes. The murder occurred just over six years ago, in March 2018, in downtown Rio de Janeiro.
Earlier in the day, Operation Murder Inc, launched by the police, resulted in the arrest of Domingos Brazão, current advisor to the Court of Accounts of Rio de Janeiro, federal deputy Chiquinho Brazão (União Brasil-RJ), and Rivaldo Barbosa, former head of the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro.
“This moment is highly significant, marking a victory for the Brazilian state and its security forces in the fight against organized crime. We must highlight the crucial role played by the Federal Police in this achievement,” said the minister.
The Federal Police became involved in the Marielle case in February of last year, following a decision by then Minister of Justice, Flávio Dino. According to Lewandowski, barring new developments, the murder of Franco and Gomes, who were shot in their car while returning from a work event, has finally been unraveled and concluded.
We now have a clear picture of the perpetrators of this heinous and abominable crime, which was evidently politically motivated. Through their investigations, the police identified the masterminds and other participants involved in this case. It is clear that new elements may arise, leading to a supplementary report from the Federal Police, but at this moment, the work is complete,” he said.
The three suspects arrested preventively were transported by Federal Police plane to the Federal Penitentiary in Brasília, where they will remain at the disposal of the Justice. The Federal Public Ministry will be responsible for filing charges against them.
The arrests occurred less than a week after the Supreme Federal Court approved the plea bargain agreement of former military police officer Ronnie Lessa, the perpetrator of the murders. Due to the involvement of a politician with privileged jurisdiction – federal deputy Chiquinho Brazão – the case is now under the jurisdiction of Minister Alexandre de Moraes. It was Moraes who issued the arrest warrants and other precautionary measures against those involved.
In addition to the three individuals arrested, the police executed search and seizure warrants for documents, passports, and electronic devices belonging to four other people close to them. Assets and funds were also seized, and the bank accounts of those involved were frozen. Furthermore, restrictions were imposed, including a ban on contacting other suspects and the use of electronic ankle bracelets.
“In fact, our conclusion is as follows: these individuals are the masterminds of the crime. At this moment, the Federal Police is concluding this phase of the investigation, identifying not only the masterminds but also the executors and intermediaries who, in some way, are involved in the crime. This does not invalidate any other actions that may be taken, including the seizure and analysis of materials that will be conducted and forwarded to the Judiciary,” stated the Federal Police Director-General, Andrei Rodrigues, during the press conference.
Source: Agência Brasil