Brazil deputy Sóstenes Cavalcante investigated for R$470k seizure and alleged document fraud

Brazil's Federal Police seized roughly R$468.7 k in cash from the Brasília apartment of federal deputy Sóstenes Cavalcante during Operation Galho Fraco, which probes alleged misappropriation of parliamentary quota funds. The investigation also examines whether allies forged documents related to a November‑2025 sale of a Minas Gerais property to justify the cash, noting that the deed was only recorded on 30 December, after the money was seized.

Senator Wellington Fagundes posted a video supporting Cavalcante’s pre‑candidacy for governor of Mato Grosso, linking the political endorsement to the ongoing probe. Prosecutors are also tracking connections between the seized cash and a group of companies linked to the Sicredi bank, which reportedly withdrew over R$15 million in cash. The Supreme Court authorized the third phase of the operation, allowing the break of bank and fiscal secrecy for allies and the issuance of search warrants against associated businessmen and lawyers.