Alerj public exam fraud investigation in Rio de Janeiro

The Rio de Janeiro Public Prosecutor's Office (MPRJ) and the Civil Police are investigating suspected fraud in a public examination for the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj). The investigation follows the arrest of candidate Alexandre Campos Oliveira, who was caught using electronic devices during the exam on February 8 at Unisuam in Bonsucesso.

Authorities recovered an electronic earpiece and glasses adapted with a chip designed to capture images. During the incident, the suspect reportedly attempted to destroy instructions on how to use the devices and tried to swallow a plastic bag containing an earpiece. The exam was organized by the Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV).

In addition to the individual fraud, the MPRJ is investigating whether there was favoritism toward a candidate who served as a commissioned staff member at Alerj, specifically as the chief of staff to the director-general. This candidate was competing for a legislative prosecutor position with an initial salary of approximately R$ 46,000. Alerj confirmed that the employee was exonerated in March.

While Oliveira was initially released during a custody hearing, he was re-arrested on February 15 following an appeal by the MPRJ, which argued his freedom could jeopardize the investigation. He has been charged with fraud in a public interest examination, a crime carrying a prison sentence of one to four years.