Brazil Federal Police target R$9.6 million diversion at Universidade Federal Fluminense

Brazil’s Federal Police carried out a search and seizure operation in Niterói on 2 May as the second phase of Operation Quadro Negro (also referenced as Operation Espelho Branco 2A). The warrant, issued by the 2nd Federal Court of Niterói, authorized agents to seize documents and a hard‑drive from an intermediary company suspected of channeling public funds meant for the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF).

Investigators say university officials colluded with partners from contracted firms to approve inflated payments and receive kickbacks, causing an estimated loss of R$9.6 million to the federal treasury. The scheme is believed to have continued until 2018. UFF confirmed it has not been formally notified of new investigative elements but reiterated its commitment to transparency and internal controls.

The operation aims to identify the company that acted as the conduit for the alleged money‑laundering and organized‑crime activities linked to the university’s procurement processes.