São Paulo mayor suspends tourism manager amid Wi‑Fi contract probe

Mayor Ricardo Nunes of São Paulo removed Rodrigo Raveli, the manager of the city's tourism agency SPTuris, after media reports linked the official to a network of companies and NGOs that had secured municipal contracts. The controversy centers on a contract worth more than R$100 million with the Instituto Conhecer Brasil (ICB) to install free Wi‑Fi points across the city. Police searches and the municipal control office are investigating whether public funds were diverted to support the documentary film “Dark Horse,” produced by ICB president Karina Ferreira da Gama.

Right‑wing councilors Janaína Paschoal and Amanda Vettorazzo have formally requested the mayor’s office to clarify the procurement process, questioning the technical capacity of ICB and the effectiveness of the installed Wi‑Fi services. Nunes described the investigation as “political persecution” but pledged a rapid inquiry, stating that any proven illegalities would lead to Raveli’s dismissal. The ICB has said it complied with the judicial order and is cooperating with auditors.