Arrested councilman Senival Moura requests to leave Brazil's Workers' Party

São Paulo city councilman Senival Moura has requested to withdraw his membership from the Workers' Party (PT) following his arrest on Thursday. Moura cited his desire to focus on his defense and avoid damaging the party's image as reasons for his departure.

The PT's municipal directory in São Paulo confirmed Moura's request in a statement, noting his intention to dedicate himself to his legal defense and to prevent recent events from being associated with the party. Moura was arrested on suspicion of participating in a money laundering scheme allegedly connected to the PCC, a prominent criminal organization, through the Transunião bus concessionaire.

Transunião operates two routes within São Paulo's public transport system. According to the Civil Police, investigators believe Moura facilitated the criminal faction's access to the bus company, enabling it to serve as a front for a clandestine financial system aimed at economically supporting individuals linked to the PCC.

Moura's arrest was upheld during a custody hearing on Friday by the São Paulo Justice Court. His defense team expressed indignation over the decision, asserting that "the truth will prevail." Lawyer Marcio Sayeg stated that the arrest was particularly surprising given its timing, occurring shortly before an election period, which he suggested raises questions about the circumstances.