# Criminal investigations and 2026 Rio gubernatorial race

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/criminal-and-corruption-investigations-in-rio-de-janeiro
> Updated: 2026-09-30T00:21:52.000Z. Sources: 61. Developments: 2.

Legal and investigative actions in Rio de Janeiro continue to target organized crime, administrative corruption, and embezzlement. Recent judicial developments include the sentencing of former municipal treasurer Matheus Borges de Oliveira to over eight years in prison for embezzling R$ 13 million, and the indictment of former state deputy Thiego Raimundo de Oliveira Santos, known as ‘TH Joias’, for allegedly using political influence to assist the Comando Vermelho criminal organization.

Parallel to these criminal proceedings, the Rio de Janeiro Public Ministry is investigating the state government regarding a significant surge in commissioned positions. Between January 2023 and March 2026, the number of such roles rose by 46%, with monthly payroll expenses increasing 87% from R$ 53.7 million to R$ 100.36 million. Investigators are examining whether the creation of these roles, some of which reportedly carry salaries below the minimum wage, constitutes administrative irregularities.

As the 2026 gubernatorial elections approach, political tensions are rising. In the final televised debate, candidates clashed over public security, education, and political alliances. Douglas Ruas criticized Eduardo Paes over unfulfilled promises regarding Metro Line 3, while Paes questioned Ruas’s record as a state secretary. 

Polling indicates Paes maintains a strong lead. Datafolha reports him at 42% against Ruas at 31%, with a simulated second round showing Paes securing 52% to Ruas’s 38%. Real Time Big Data results align with this trend, showing Paes leading in both first-round and second-round simulations, including scenarios involving Anthony Garotinho.

## Claims

- In the latest Quaest poll, Eduardo Paes leads with 34% of the vote, followed by Douglas Ruas with 25%. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Douglas Ruas accused Eduardo Paes of attempting to conceal his political relationship with President Lula. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Douglas Ruas is politically backed by Flávio Bolsonaro, Cláudio Castro, and Rodrigo Bacellar. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Douglas Ruas questioned Eduardo Paes over unfulfilled transportation promises, including Metro Line 3. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Eduardo Paes described Douglas Ruas as a political successor to Rodrigo Bacellar. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Rio de Janeiro Court accepted a complaint making former state deputy Thiego Raimundo dos Santos a defendant. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Eduardo Paes claimed the State Secretariat of Cities received approximately R$ 2 billion in investments without delivering priority projects like a bus corridor. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- In a first-round polling scenario including Anthony Garotinho, Eduardo Paes leads with 37% and Douglas Ruas with 31%. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Anthony Garotinho declared he remains a candidate for governor despite his registration being rejected by the court. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- In a Datafolha poll, Eduardo Paes leads the Rio de Janeiro gubernatorial race with 42% of the vote, followed by Douglas Ruas with 31%. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Rio de Janeiro gubernatorial race: Paes leads in polls amid payroll investigation

Polls show Eduardo Paes leading the Rio de Janeiro gubernatorial race, while the state Public Ministry investigates a 46% surge in commissioned positions and an 87% rise in related payroll costs.

59 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-officials-face-sentencing-and-indictment-in-corruption-and-trafficking-cases

### 2026-09-08: Rio de Janeiro authorities pursue murder trial and environmental fraud investigation

Rio de Janeiro authorities are pursuing a murder trial against gambling figure Rogério de Andrade and investigating environmental licensing fraud via Operation Hidra de Lerna.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-authorities-pursue-murder-trial-and-environmental-fraud-investigation

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Cite as: Criminal investigations and 2026 Rio gubernatorial race. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/criminal-and-corruption-investigations-in-rio-de-janeiro