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Brazil launches operation targeting footballers suspected of drug and arms trafficking Image: Juan Pablo Pino
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

Brazil launches operation targeting footballers suspected of drug and arms trafficking

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Brazilian police carried out four arrest warrants and 15 search warrants in Espírito Santo, Goiás, Brasília and Rio de Janeiro.
  • Footballers David Correa da Fonseca, known as DVD, and Hayner were among the operation’s targets, while clubs said they were cooperating with authorities.
  • The investigation concerns a group allegedly linked to a criminal faction, but statements from the clubs disputed one player’s reported involvement.

Brazilian police have launched an operation targeting footballers and agents suspected of involvement in a drug- and arms-trafficking network operating across several states.

A friendship from childhood with one of those investigated for drug trafficking, from the same community where the player grew up in Espírito Santo.

— Hayner, according to Vila NovaThe club gave the player’s explanation for why he had become a target of the investigation.

The operation, called “A Tropa,” included about 100 civil police officers from several states. Authorities carried out four arrest warrants and 15 searches in Espírito Santo, Goiás, the Federal District and Rio de Janeiro, according to police.

David Correa da Fonseca, a Vasco da Gama forward better known as DVD, was among the targets. Officers searched his home in Rio de Janeiro and seized mobile phones and documents before carrying out a search at Vasco’s training centre.

Has no involvement in the reported events.

— AzurizThe club rejected reports linking Renyer Oliveira to the investigation.

Hayner, a fullback on loan from Santos to Vila Nova in Goiás, also had his home and club locker searched. Vila Nova said Hayner denied any connection to the case and believed the suspicion stemmed from a childhood friendship with one of the people investigated for drug trafficking, who came from the same community in Espírito Santo where the player grew up.

Cooperates with the authorities and awaits the conclusion of the investigations.

— Vasco da GamaThe club described its response to the searches at its facilities.

Early reports from G1 and GloboNews said Renyer Oliveira, a Santos academy graduate now with Paraná club Azuriz, was also involved and had been detained for disrespect during the searches. Azuriz later said Renyer had no involvement in the events and was training normally. Vasco said it was cooperating with authorities and awaiting the investigation’s conclusion. Vila Nova likewise said Hayner continued his sporting duties and had consistently acted professionally.

Has always demonstrated professionalism and has regularly fulfilled his sporting obligations.

— Vila NovaThe club defended Hayner while confirming that he continued training and playing duties.
About this summary

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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