São Paulo police investigate jewelry theft ring linked to Neymar's necklace

The São Paulo Civil Police have launched the second phase of ‘Operation Ouro Reverso’ to dismantle a criminal network involved in the theft, laundering, and resale of gold jewelry. The investigation was triggered by social media posts showing influencer Buzeira presenting a gold and gemstone necklace, valued at approximately R$ 2 million, to football player Neymar in December 2023.

Authorities identified jeweler Douglas Bonetti Rocha, known as ‘Jimmy’, as the manufacturer of the piece. The investigation suggests the network operated by stealing jewelry and melting down the gold to obscure its origin, particularly in the ‘Círculo de Fogo’ area of central São Paulo.

During this latest phase, police executed four arrest warrants and 28 search and seizure warrants in São Paulo and Guarulhos. The judiciary has also ordered the freezing of R$ 34 million in assets linked to the suspects. Authorities have clarified that Neymar is not a target of the investigation and there is no evidence of his involvement in the criminal scheme; he is considered merely the recipient of the gift.