Brazilian funk star MC Ryan SP denies money‑laundering links after release

After serving 28 days in pre‑trial detention, São Paulo funk artist MC Ryan SP was released when a federal court revoked his preventive arrest on May 13, 2026. In his first public interview on Record’s "Domingo Espetacular" with journalist Roberto Cabrini, the musician professed that he has no involvement in the Federal Police’s Operation Narco Fluxo, which investigates alleged international drug‑trafficking and a multi‑billion‑real‑raiz money‑laundering scheme involving electronic raffles and illegal betting platforms.

Ryan asserted that his only connection to betting firms was limited to advertising, a practice he says many Brazilian influencers use, and denied any links to criminal factions such as the PCC or Comando Vermelho. He described his time in custody as the worst period of his life, expressing emotional distress and concern over being stigmatized because of his funk background. The artist pledged to prove his innocence to the authorities and the public, emphasizing his desire to return to music and family life.

The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of celebrity influencers in Brazil’s financial‑crime investigations, though no charges have been filed against Ryan at this stage.