PF calls for immediate removal of the mayor of Jaú on suspicion of 'parallel office' and corruption

The Federal Police of Bauru (SP) requested the immediate precautionary removal of Ivan Cassaro (PSD) from the position of mayor of Jaú (SP). The request appears in the final report of an investigation that investigates corruption, criminal organizations and electoral crimes involving the head of the Executive and 12 other people.

According to the PF, the removal seeks to avoid retaliation or intimidation of witnesses and collaborators, as the mayor maintains power of influence over public servants. Cassaro was indicted for passive corruption, criminal organization and electoral corruption. This is the politician's second term, who won the dispute in the 2024 municipal elections.

'Parallel office' and payments via PIX

The investigation points out that an informal group was structured in the municipal administration to manipulate political debate and public opinion in Jaú. The scheme paid communicators to praise management and attack opponents with disinformation.

Network of pages and radio: radio hosts, influencers and administrators of regional pages received clandestine remunerations of around R$1,500 per month;

Supplier extortion: the person responsible for the works at the municipal stadium revealed, through a notary note with 24 audios, that measurements and payments for the work were blocked at the city hall until he made transfers via Pix directly to the communicators appointed by the office;

Final beneficiary: according to the police, the entire scheme worked to artificially promote Cassaro's image and influence the local electorate.

In total, 13 people were indicted in the final report. They are:

Ivan Cassaro, mayor of Jaú;

A secretary and a former municipal secretary;

Two businessmen;

Seven communicators;

The wife of one of the communicators.

Operation Captive Media

The scheme was the target of Operation Captive Media, launched in May 2026, when federal agents carried out 13 search and seizure warrants authorized by the Regional Electoral Court (TRE-SP) in Jaú, Dois Córregos (SP) and Nhandeara (SP).

According to the investigation, a former secretary coordinated clandestine financial transfers and charged for publications. An acting secretary sent agendas, videos and editorial guidelines on who should be praised or criticized.

What the city hall says

In an official note, Jaú City Hall stated that the case is being carried out under judicial secrecy and that all manifestations will be presented exclusively in the judicial process. The administration highlighted that the note also represents the personal position of Mayor Ivan Cassaro.