Brazil's STJ removes electronic monitoring from businessman in bribery case

The Superior Court of Justice (STJ) has removed the electronic ankle monitor from businessman Celso Éder Gonzaga de Araújo. Araújo is accused by the Public Ministry of acting as a lobbyist and financial operator in a corruption scheme involving R$ 1 billion in bribes within the São Paulo State Finance Secretariat.

While the electronic monitoring has been lifted, Araújo will remain under house arrest, a regime he has observed since March. Justice Reynaldo Soares signed the decision, citing the defendant's delicate health condition, which includes cardiac and psychiatric issues. The magistrate noted that requiring successive judicial authorizations for medical exams and procedures was not reasonable given the potential risks to medical assistance.

Araújo was arrested during ‘Operação Ícaro’ in August 2025. The operation also led to the arrest of Ultrafarma founder Sydnei Oliveira and Fast Shop executive Mário Otávio Gomes. During searches at Araújo's residence in Campo Grande, Federal Police discovered approximately R$ 1.2 million in cash, along with dollars, euros, cryptocurrencies, and emeralds.