Gaeco operation targets municipal legislators in Mato Grosso

The Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco) launched Operation Cathedra Venalis, a major investigation into alleged corruption and vote-buying within municipal legislatures in Mato Grosso. The operation involved over 200 police officers executing 30 search and seizure warrants across Cuiabá, Várzea Grande, and Chapada dos Guimarães.

The investigation focuses on a suspected corruption scheme related to the election of the Board of Directors in the Várzea Grande City Council. Allegations include the creation of a “corruption headquarters” to secure votes for the reelection of Council President Wanderley Cerqueira and a plan to force the removal of Mayor Flávia Moretti to gain control over municipal administration and water utility privatization.

Among the targets are 15 council members, including 13 from Várzea Grande and two from Cuiabá: Alex Rodrigues and Ilde Taques. In response, the Cuiabá City Council issued a statement emphasizing the presumption of innocence and clarifying that any individual misconduct does not represent the institution. Councilman Alex Rodrigues denied any wrongdoing, stating his presence at a recent lunch in Várzea Grande may have led to his inclusion in the investigation, and expressed his willingness to cooperate with authorities.