Cuiabá and Várzea Grande legislative corruption probe

The Cuiabá City Council has undergone a period of administrative and legal developments. Initially, the Council focused on legislative actions, including the enactment of new laws to honor local figures and official changes to the municipal calendar.

Subsequently, the Council addressed legal challenges following ‘Operation Cathedra Venalis’, a major investigation by the Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco). The operation, involving over 200 police officers and 30 search and seizure warrants across Cuiabá, Várzea Grande, and Chapada dos Guimarães, targets a suspected corruption scheme involving 15 council members. Among the targets are two Cuiabá councilors, Alex Rodrigues and Ilde Taques. Rodrigues has denied wrongdoing, suggesting his inclusion may stem from attending a lunch in Várzea Grande.

New details from the investigation reveal allegations of a criminal organization aimed at weakening Mayor Flávia Moretti to facilitate the rise of Várzea Grande Council President Wanderley Cerqueira. Testimony suggests a scheme involving monthly payments of R$ 10,000 to council members to secure political support, alongside the alleged distribution of commissioned positions and the use of clandestine recordings to pressure lawmakers. Meetings held at a private estate were reportedly used to consolidate support for Cerqueira and discuss potential impeachment processes against the mayor.

While the investigation has caused political movement in neighboring Cuiabá, officials there have stated that the probe is specific to the Várzea Grande legislature and does not currently impact Cuiabá’s internal leadership elections.