Niterói pastor investigated for R$ 1 million pyramid scheme

Police in Rio de Janeiro have launched ‘Operação Golpe da Fé’ to investigate a financial pyramid scheme allegedly led by Pastor Roberto Vieira Soares. The scheme operated through the Igreja Apostólica Vida e Adoração in Niterói, where the pastor reportedly used his pulpit to solicit investments from congregants.

Promising monthly returns of up to 10 percent for members and 5 percent for external investors, the scheme has caused estimated losses of approximately R$ 1 million. While initial payments were made to attract victims, the promised returns eventually ceased.

Law enforcement executed 39 search and seizure warrants across Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Authorities have seized vehicles from the pastor’s fleet, valued at roughly R$ 700,000, and are investigating whether his assets, including a mansion in Barra da Tijuca, were acquired using funds from the fraudulent scheme.