São Paulo Police Seize Hard Drive, Phone in Probe of Bolsonaro Film Producer's Contract

São Paulo's Civil Police have launched "Operation Wi-Fi," investigating a significant R$108 million contract awarded by the capital's City Hall to the Instituto Conhecer Brasil (ICB). The ICB is associated with Karina Ferreira da Gama, a partner in the production company behind the film 'Dark Horse,' which chronicles the political journey of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

During searches conducted at eight locations linked to the investigation, police confiscated various items, including documents, Karina Ferreira's cell phone, and a hard drive containing contracts from the Secretariat of Municipal Innovation and Technology. The operation targeted addresses connected to the ICB and Go UP Entertainment Ltd, the company responsible for the Bolsonaro film.

Investigators suspect fraud in the selection process for the NGO, the execution of the contract, and the possible diversion of public funds. A key point of concern is that the public tender for the Wi-Fi project reportedly saw only one participant: the ICB. This organization, according to investigators, lacked prior experience in telecommunications, primarily focusing on literary and religious fairs and events.

The City Hall of São Paulo has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating that the contract with ICB strictly adhered to principles of legality, transparency, and economic efficiency. Mayor Ricardo Nunes, however, characterized the police operation as political persecution. The investigation is also seeking financial analysis from the Council for Financial Activities Control (Coaf) regarding the financial movements of the ICB, Go UP Entertainment Ltd, and Karina Ferreira, exploring the hypothesis that contract funds may have been diverted to the production company during the filming of 'Dark Horse.'

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vehemently repudiates allegations of misappropriation of public funds, given that the contract with the Instituto Conhecer Brasil (ICB) strictly followed the principles of legality, transparency, and economic efficiency.