Daniel Santana arrested in Federal Police operation in São Mateus

Daniel Santana, a candidate for state deputy and former mayor of São Mateus, was arrested in flagrante during the Federal Police’s ‘Operation Spectro’. The operation targeted his campaign committee in the Boa Vista neighborhood of northern Espírito Santo, just two days before the first round of elections.

The investigation is examining allegations of irregular use of campaign funds, electoral ideological falsehood (commonly known as ‘caixa dois’), money laundering, and criminal association. Federal Police officials stated the probe began after financial intelligence identified atypical cash movements, suggesting corporate resources may have been used to finance campaign activities outside official legal channels.

During the raids, authorities seized cash, mobile phones, computers, and various documents for forensic analysis. Five people were arrested during the operation, including Santana, who was taken to a detention center. The Progressistas party expressed concern regarding the timing of the operation and stated they are monitoring the legal proceedings to ensure electoral equality.