Ulisses Gabriel faces R$ 795,000 fine for alleged misconduct

The Public Ministry of Santa Catarina (MPSC) has requested the conviction of former Civil Police Director-General Ulisses Gabriel for administrative misconduct. The prosecution alleges that Gabriel used the investigation into the death of a dog known as ‘Cão Orelha’ for personal and political promotion.

The MPSC is seeking a fine of up to R$ 795,000, an additional R$ 200,000 for collective moral damages, and a four-year ban on contracting with the public sector. Prosecutors argue that Gabriel exceeded institutional communication boundaries by posting more than 40 times about the case on social media—significantly more than the seven posts made by official police profiles—to build a personal political image.

While Gabriel’s defense claims he acted solely as an institutional spokesperson and denies any intent to commit misconduct, the MPSC contends his use of slogans and specific hashtags helped link the investigation to his personal identity. The investigation also explores potential abuses of authority and violations of functional secrecy.