Deputy Josimar Maranhãozinho hit by Brazil's Operation Afluente raids

On 25 May the Federal Police launched Operation Afluente, executing 18 search and seizure warrants in the Federal District, Goiás and Maranhão. The operation targeted federal deputy Josimar Maranhãozinho (PL‑MA) and several of his associates, investigating an alleged scheme that diverted parliamentary amendment funds through the regional development agency Codevasf. Authorities allege organized‑crime activity, corruption, embezzlement and money‑laundering, and note that Josimar was previously convicted by the Supreme Court for a similar emenda‑selling case.

Earlier, in June, the Maranhão Public Ministry’s Operation Benedictio resulted in a criminal complaint against ten people for forming an organized crime group that misappropriated roughly R$9.6 million from public‑funded projects of the Instituto Sê Tu Uma Bênção. The indictment cites involvement of politicians, business figures and members of the Primeiro Comando do Maranhão (PCM), with assets seized including cash, vehicles, jewelry and a helicopter used by Josimar’s nephew. The investigations also disrupted the family’s planned political succession, affecting the deputy’s influence ahead of his departure from Congress in February 2025.