Brazilian political candidates arrested in separate investigations

Two Brazilian political candidates have been arrested in separate investigations involving different allegations.

In Rio Grande do Norte, federal deputy candidate Wender Andrade (Mobiliza) was arrested in flagrante in Alexandria. The arrest occurred during a search and seizure operation originally intended to investigate threats made against voters and candidates in the Alto Oeste region. During the search, police discovered large quantities of a substance resembling marijuana and cash. Andrade faces suspicion of drug trafficking.

In Porto Alegre, city councilman and state deputy candidate Giovane Byl (Podemos) was placed under preventive detention as part of ‘Operação Cinesia’. The investigation, led by the Public Ministry of Rio Grande do Sul, targets the suspected embezzlement of over R$ 2 million in parliamentary amendments intended for health services. The operation also resulted in the arrest of an advisor, a lawyer, and a former leader of a civil society organization. Investigators allege that funds were transferred from health project accounts to private accounts and distributed among companies and suspects.