Bauru environmental fraud investigation leads to arrest of financial intermediary

Authorities conducting Operation Cavalo de Troia have arrested personal trainer Jonathan Moga Pinto, identified as a financial intermediary in a R$ 5.2 billion environmental fraud scheme in Bauru, São Paulo.

Prosecutors allege that Moga controlled Core Intermediações, a company used to capture at least R$ 4 million in bribes. These funds were reportedly intended for municipal public agents involved in tailoring a bidding process to favor the company Estre Ambiental. Investigators noted a discrepancy in Moga's finances, stating he earns between R$ 3,000 and R$ 4,000 monthly despite having R$ 2 million in accumulated debt.

This third phase of the operation has resulted in eight arrests, including Renato Purini, the former Government Secretary and husband of Mayor Suellen Rosim. The Bauru City Hall stated it is cooperating with the Public Ministry and has dismissed all investigated individuals. The bidding process in question was previously blocked by the State Court of Auditors and the Public Ministry.