Operation Cátaros: MP-SP investigates connection between candidate and councilors from Cotia and the PCC

The Public Ministry of São Paulo (MP-SP) carried out an operation this Thursday morning (20) against suspects linked to the criminal faction Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) in Cotia, in Greater São Paulo.

In total, 11 search and seizure warrants and two arrest warrants are being executed in five municipalities in the Metropolitan Region and the state of Santa Catarina.

Among the main targets of Operation Cátaros is the candidate for state deputy Emerson Rocha, known as Felipinho (Podemos).

Rocha had already been arrested previously and was detained again during Operation Cátaros. His wife, who is abroad, was also the subject of an arrest warrant, according to police, but was not located.

He is identified by prosecutors as responsible for an organized crime money laundering scheme, which involves the other targets investigated in the operation.

In addition to the candidate, three councilors from Cotia are the targets of search and seizure warrants. The City Hall is also among the places where searches are carried out.

The councilors investigated are:

Eduardo Nascimento (PSB);

Sergio Luiz de Freitas, known as Serginho Luiz (PSB);

Yago Bezerra Neres (União Brasil).

According to information from the investigation, the three councilors had some type of connection with Emerson Rocha. g1 tries to contact their defense, but has not yet been successful.

Operation Cátaros also carries out seizure warrants for vehicles and other assets at 21 different addresses.

The MP has the support of the Military Police and the Civil Police, with the participation of 96 military police officers from the 5th BAEP and 80 civil police officers responsible for complying with precautionary measures.

The 21 locations targeted by the operation are located in the municipalities of Cotia, São Paulo, Jandira and São Lourenço da Serra, in addition to Balneário Camboriú, in Santa Catarina.

The court also issued an arrest warrant for Emerson Rocha's wife. She is abroad.

The MP-SP investigates the possible connection of the targets with members of the PCC. The circumstances and role of each person investigated in the alleged relationship with the faction are still being investigated.

The investigation is ongoing.