ACM Neto suspected of leading criminal organization in Brazil

The Brazilian Federal Police (PF) have identified ACM Neto, a current gubernatorial candidate in Bahia, as the suspected political leader of a criminal organization involved in embezzling public funds. The investigation, known as Operação Overclean, suggests Neto acted as a superior figure to businessman José Marcos de Moura, who is accused of corruption, bidding fraud, and misappropriation of funds.

According to a decision by Supreme Federal Court Minister Kassio Nunes Marques, investigators identified 232 WhatsApp calls between Neto and Moura occurring between August and December 2024. Intercepted messages also revealed discussions involving the former Mayor of Belo Horizonte, Fuad Noman, regarding the consultation of Neto for appointments to municipal secretariats in 2024.

While the Federal Police requested search warrants for Neto, Minister Nunes Marques determined that the evidence currently points to political involvement rather than providing sufficient grounds for such measures.