Ex-associate of Leo Dias led 'mafia-like' group to coerce rivals, police say

Brazil's Federal Police (PF) have detailed allegations that a former associate of media personality Leo Dias orchestrated a group with "mafia-like contours" to coerce and intimidate adversaries and journalists, acting in the interests of banker Daniel Vorcaro. The claims form the basis of a Supreme Court decision authorizing search and seizure operations at addresses linked to Thiago Miranda.

According to investigators, Luiz Phillipi Machado de Moraes Mourão, known as "Sicário," was a trusted associate of Vorcaro and led a faction of his organization. His role reportedly involved acquiring confidential information, monitoring opponents, and neutralizing sensitive situations for the banker. While direct operational links between Miranda's group and other Vorcaro-affiliated entities are not yet confirmed, investigators noted a "similar modus operandi" in their methods.

The PF asserts that Miranda's group aimed to "coerce, intimidate, violate the privacy and confidential data of journalists, people linked to public authorities, and potential adversaries/detractors." The agency claims Miranda's company hired influencers to launch attacks against the Central Bank and to intimidate Vorcaro's rivals. The police consider the organization's dangerousness to have "mafia-like contours."

When recruiting influencers and communicators for these campaigns, Miranda allegedly required signed confidentiality agreements. Those who refused reportedly faced intimidation using illicitly obtained privileged information. The PF believes these actions were intended to manipulate public opinion, protect Vorcaro's inner circle, and intimidate journalists and competitors, including individuals connected to the Central Bank's president, Gabriel Galípolo. The police also referenced Miranda and Vorcaro's alleged actions against journalist Malu Gaspar of O Globo, who was investigating the Banco Master scandal.

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para coagir, intimidar, violar a privacidade e dados sigilosos de jornalistas, pessoas ligadas a autoridades públicas e potenciais adversários/desafetos