Curitiba Council President Tico Kuzma Under Investigation and Facing Cassation Request

The Municipal Chamber of Curitiba authorized a judicial search of President Tico Kuzma’s office and the chamber’s presidency after the Paraná Public Ministry’s Gaeco unit executed 13 search and seizure warrants on 29 June. Gaeco’s investigation alleges that Kuzma participated in a scheme to sell public positions and collect “rachadinha” payments, reportedly charging about R$ 3,000 per referral and receiving subsequent monthly transfers.

Kuzma described the operation as a politically motivated attempt to damage his reputation ahead of elections and said the council will cooperate fully with authorities. The chamber announced it would examine a formal request for his removal, filed by councilor Da Costa, which seeks to open an ethical‑disciplinary proceeding and, if the allegations are confirmed, to strip Kuzma of his mandate. The request will be reviewed by the Mesa Diretora within five days; Kuzma will not attend the meeting. If the motion meets procedural requirements, it will be forwarded to the chamber’s Corregedoria for further action.