Federal police delegate Michel Saliba shot in Passo Fundo operation, later dies

On July 2, 2026 federal agents carried out a search‑and‑seizure operation (code‑named EZQ 25:17) in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, targeting a financial network that funds a contraband scheme linked to Miami and the Brazil‑Uruguay border. During the raid, a military police officer on personal leave opened fire, wounding Federal Police delegate Michel Brasil Saliba with three shots to the chest and back and injuring another federal agent. Saliba was taken to Hospital São Vicente de Paulo, underwent emergency surgery and died the following day; the second agent recovered and was released from hospital.

The officer was arrested at the scene and is being investigated by the Federal Police and the Brigada Militar’s Corregedoria. The operation concluded with nine search warrants executed, 56 property seizures, and the freezing of bank accounts belonging to 38 individuals and companies, with assets potentially reaching R$ 28 million. Investigators indicated the criminal organization originated in Santana do Livramento and operated across the Uruguay border, with part of the network active in Miami. The Federal Police declared an official three‑day period of mourning for the fallen delegate.