Ex-mayor of Macapá allegedly used R$25 million to monitor rivals, Brazil police say

Brazil's Federal Police are investigating former Macapá mayor Dr. Furlan (PSD-AP) for allegedly diverting more than R$25 million to fund a network of digital militias. The operation, which involved searches, targets Furlan for suspected embezzlement of public funds used to monitor and attack political opponents on social media.

Among the alleged targets were Supreme Court Minister Flávio Dino, Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP), and Senator Randolfe Rodrigues (PT-AP). Investigators claim the funds paid influencers and communication firms to promote Furlan and discredit his rivals. Alcolumbre is identified as Furlan's main political adversary in Amapá, having lost the mayoral race to him in 2020 and subsequently seeing Furlan re-elected in 2024 against Alcolumbre's alliances.

This investigation adds to Furlan's mounting legal challenges. He was previously removed from office in March due to suspected bid-rigging fraud, resigning to avoid impeachment. Minister Dino had authorized searches against Furlan and others in relation to the embezzlement of parliamentary amendments. Furlan is also facing an economic abuse of power trial at the Superior Electoral Court, which could render him ineligible.

In a statement, the former mayor denied the accusations, condemning fake news and virtual attacks. He asserted his public career is based on respect for democratic institutions and ethical conduct. The investigation complicates his pre-candidacy for governor of Amapá, where Senator Randolfe Rodrigues, a government leader in Congress, aligns with Alcolumbre's political group.

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We have based our public trajectory on respect for democratic institutions, clean debate of ideas, and serious work for the population. Practices that attack truth and ethics do not reflect our values and will never have a place in our actions.