Brazil's PSDB and PSD spent 1.1 million reais on airline linked to drug‑trafficking network

In the 2022‑2023 election period, Brazil's PSDB Nacional and the Minas Gerais branch of the PSD paid a total of at least R$ 1.1 million to CNM Aviação, a taxi‑airline owned by Juliana Costa Nobre Magalhães. The PSDB disbursed R$ 551,700 in April‑May 2022, while the PSD paid R$ 555,400 between May‑September 2022 and issued a further invoice for R$ 22,200 in June 2023.

Juliana Costa Nobre Magalhães is under investigation by the Federal Public Ministry for allegedly managing companies used to launder proceeds from an international cocaine‑trafficking ring linked to Karine Campos, called the “rainha do pó”. The investigation, part of Operation Flight Level, cites her as the “executive manager” of the criminal organization. Both parties claim the contracts were regular, stating that CNM Aviação possessed an active CNPJ, required certifications, insurance and licenses, and that they were unaware of any probe at the time of hiring. No judicial ruling has yet held the parties liable.