Bauru government secretary Renato Purini remains in custody

A court in São Paulo has denied a habeas corpus request for Renato Purini, the municipal government secretary of Bauru and husband of Mayor Suéllen Rosim. Purini was placed under preventive detention on Friday following investigations into alleged corruption.

The investigation, known as Operação Cavalo de Troia, focuses on suspected fraud regarding a bidding process for a 30-year integrated solid waste management contract valued at approximately R$ 5.2 billion. Judicial documents suggest that evidence from seized devices, including text messages and audio, indicates Purini may have interfered in the bidding process and the passage of related legislation. There are also allegations that he monitored and coerced city councilors to secure a favorable quorum and may have requested or received improper financial advantages.

Judge Luiz Fernando Vaggione ruled that there was no evident illegality in the initial detention order to justify immediate release. The defense argued that the detention lacked proper foundation and that alternative precautionary measures would suffice, but the court found these arguments insufficient for a preliminary injunction.