Goiás authorities investigate former Spiritist leader for sexual misconduct

The Public Ministry of Goiás (MPGO) launched ‘Operation Luz e Sombra’ to investigate the former president and spiritual leader of the Eurípedes Barsanulfo Spiritist Community in Goiânia. The investigation focuses on allegations of sexual crimes against women, including the suspected demand for intimate images and videos in exchange for food baskets provided by the institution's social assistance program.

Authorities are also investigating the unauthorized distribution of intimate content belonging to one of the victims. The investigation began following a criminal report from a community member, and further inquiries by the Victim Support Center (Navita) suggest other women may have been affected.

During the operation, four search and seizure warrants were executed at locations linked to the suspect, including the community headquarters. The judiciary has authorized access to the suspect's telemetric data and imposed several precautionary measures. These include a prohibition on attending the religious headquarters or any community-promoted events, as well as a requirement for monthly court appearances. The suspect was previously removed from his presidency during an extraordinary assembly in July.