# Bauru waste management corruption investigation

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bauru-waste-management-corruption-investigation
> Updated: 2026-10-23T21:07:07.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

The investigation known as ‘Operation Trojan Horse’ (Operação Cavalo de Troia) has escalated following the arrest of Renato Purini, the municipal Secretary of Government in Bauru and husband of Mayor Suéllen Rosim. The probe, conducted by the São Paulo Public Ministry’s Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco), targets alleged irregularities in bidding processes for solid waste management services.

Initial reports indicate the investigation involves suspected bribery and threats against recyclers related to contracts worth over R$5 million. However, subsequent judicial developments reveal the scope may involve a 30-year integrated solid waste management contract valued at approximately R$5.2 billion. Evidence seized from electronic devices, including audio and text messages, suggests Purini may have interfered in the bidding process, influenced legislation, and monitored or coerced city councilors to secure a favorable quorum.

Following his arrest, a São Paulo court denied a habeas corpus request for Purini, with Judge Luiz Fernando Vaggione ruling that there was “no evident illegality” in the initial detention order. The court found the defense’s arguments for alternative precautionary measures insufficient.

In the third phase of the operation, authorities arrested Jonathan Moga Pinto, identified as a financial intermediary. Prosecutors allege Moga controlled Core Intermediações, a company used to capture at least R$4 million in bribes intended for municipal agents to favor the company Estre Ambiental. This phase has resulted in eight arrests. Bauru City Hall stated it is cooperating with the Public Ministry and has dismissed all investigated individuals. The bidding process has been blocked by the State Court of Auditors and the Public Ministry.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-23: Bauru environmental fraud investigation leads to arrest of financial intermediary

Police arrested Jonathan Moga Pinto, an alleged financial intermediary in a R$ 5.2 billion environmental fraud scheme in Bauru, Brazil, involving municipal bribes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bauru-environmental-fraud-investigation-leads-to-arrest-of-financial-intermediary

### 2026-10-18: Bauru government secretary Renato Purini remains in custody

A São Paulo court denied the release of Renato Purini, Bauru's government secretary, who is under investigation for alleged fraud in a R$ 5.2 billion waste management contract.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bauru-government-secretary-renato-purini-remains-in-custody

### 2026-10-16: Bauru Government Secretary arrested in waste management investigation

Renato Purini, the Secretary of Government and husband of Bauru's Mayor, was arrested during an investigation into waste management bidding irregularities.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bauru-government-secretary-arrested-in-waste-management-investigation

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Cite as: Bauru waste management corruption investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bauru-waste-management-corruption-investigation