Bauru Government Secretary arrested in waste management investigation

Renato Purini, the municipal Secretary of Government and husband of Bauru Mayor Suéllen Rosim, was arrested on Friday during a new phase of ‘Operation Trojan Horse’. The operation, conducted by the Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco) of the São Paulo Public Ministry with Military Police support, also included search and seizure warrants at the Bauru City Hall and the Mayor's residence.

The investigation focuses on alleged irregularities in the bidding process for waste collection and disposal services. This follows a previous stage of the operation in September that resulted in seven arrests, including former municipal administrators. The current probe originated from allegations of threats against recyclers and suspected bribery schemes involving contracts worth over R$5 million.

The arrest coincides with a scheduled testimony by Mayor Rosim before the municipal ‘Waste Processing Commission’, which is investigating the solid waste concession process.