Brazilian Federal Police find photo of politicians with investigated lawyer
The Brazilian Federal Police have discovered a photograph on the mobile phone of Senator Weverton Rocha (PDT-MA) that shows him alongside several high-profile politicians in a pool at a luxury property. The image, which was captured on April 23, 2023, at the 'Rancho Tomaz' in Planaltina, features lawyer Willer Tomaz and includes figures such as former House Speaker Arthur Lira (PP), Alexandre Ramagem (PL), Juscelino Filho (PSDB), Elmar Nascimento (União Brasil), and Paulo Azi (União Brasil).
The discovery occurs during a new phase of 'Operação Sem Desconto,' an investigation into money laundering linked to fraudulent deductions in INSS pensions and retirements. Investigators are looking into financial connections between Tomaz and Rocha, including the alleged transfer of approximately R$ 11 million to the senator's wife and the purchase of the senator's residence by a company linked to the lawyer.
Willer Tomaz has denied any involvement in the fraud and claimed the photo was
Entities: Alexandre Ramagem · Arthur Lira · Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social · Polícia Federal · Weverton Rocha · Willer Tomaz
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Lawyer Willer Tomaz denied any involvement in the investigated facts and claimed the photo was leaked illegally. (Willer Tomaz)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The investigation involves the potential use of gas stations and other entities to hide the origin of resources. (Federal Police)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Senator Weverton Rocha stated the photo leak has no connection to the investigation and has a political-electoral bias. (Weverton Rocha)
- [● 8 SOURCES] The photograph was taken on April 23, 2023, at Rancho Tomaz, a property owned by Willer Tomaz in Planaltina. (Federal Police)
- [● 7 SOURCES] Operation Sem Desconto is investigating money laundering related to fraud in INSS pensions and retirements. (Federal Police)
- [● 10 SOURCES] Federal Police found a photograph on Senator Weverton Rocha's phone showing him and several politicians in a pool with lawyer Willer Tomaz. (Federal Police)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Deputy Paulo Azi confirmed he has known Willer Tomaz for several years and was present at the gathering. (Paulo Azi)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Investigators are looking into R$ 11 million transferred from Tomaz-related companies to the wife of Senator Weverton Rocha. (Federal Police)