Goiás police arrest man for threatening witness in football fan violence probe

The Civil Police of Goiás (PCGO) arrested Jorge Luís Oliveira Pinto, known as ‘Cara de Cavalo’, on Tuesday in Goiânia. Pinto, a member of the Esquadrão Vilanovense organized supporter group, is accused of making death threats against a witness involved in investigations regarding violent clashes between rival football fans.

According to authorities, the suspect allegedly gained unauthorized access to a confidential video of the witness's testimony. He subsequently shared the footage in WhatsApp groups linked to his supporter group, exposing the witness as a collaborator in the ‘Operação Retorno Seguro’ investigation. Police are currently investigating how the suspect obtained access to the sealed inquiry material.

The arrest is a development of the ongoing investigation into an ambush that occurred on March 15 in Aparecida de Goiânia. During that incident, supporters of Goiás Esporte Clube were reportedly intercepted by a group from Vila Nova. The attack involved a vehicle striking a motorcycle, followed by physical assaults with firearms and bladed weapons. Pinto had previously been arrested in September 2025 during ‘Operação Bola da Vez’ for suspected leadership in similar attacks.