Goiás Court reinstates arrest of police sergeant accused of torture

The Court of Justice of Goiás (TJGO) has reinstated the preventive detention of Military Police Sergeant Hebert Póvoa. The decision reverses a previous release granted via habeas corpus in August, following a request for review by a judge and arguments presented by the Public Ministry of Goiás to ensure public order.

Póvoa and his wife, lawyer Tatiane Meireles, are suspected of leading a criminal group involved in extortion, money laundering, and loan sharking. Investigations indicate the group used brutal methods, including the use of batons and baseball bats, to torture and assault victims during debt collection.

The couple was originally detained in November 2025 during a Civil Police operation, which also led to the arrest of four other military police officers. While Meireles' professional registration with the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) was previously suspended, it currently appears as regular. Hebert Póvoa remains a fugitive.