Seven authorities are removed by the courts on suspicion of faction infiltration in Itapoá politics

The third phase of Operation Catilina, which investigates the infiltration of a criminal faction in the Chamber and city hall of Itapoá (SC), was launched this Monday (9). The action resulted in two arrests and 18 search warrants in Santa Catarina and Paraná, in addition to the judicial removal of seven municipal authorities.

The operation is carried out by Gaeco, a task force coordinated by the Public Ministry. According to the state body, criminals sought to influence public authorities through appointments to public positions, exchange of favors and intimidation of opponents.

Among the targets who temporarily lost their functions are those holding commissioned positions and elective mandates. The actions took place in Itapoá (SC), Guaratuba (PR) and Curitiba (PR). The names of those involved were not disclosed.

Located in the north of Santa Catarina, Itapoá has the largest coastal strip in the state and borders Paraná.

In a statement, the city hall stated that, to date, it has not received any official notification about the measures adopted. "As soon as formally notified, the administration will be available to the competent authorities and will adopt all applicable measures, in accordance with the legislation", he informed.

The elements gathered point to evidence of a connection between a political agent from the municipality and the local leadership of the faction. According to the investigation, they would have worked together to nominate people for positions in the legislative and municipal executive.

The group would also have followed and monitored opponents to obtain information about them.

MPSC launches new phase of operation to investigate influence of faction in Itapoá politics — Photo: MPSC

🚔What is Gaeco? It is a State task force that, since 1994, has worked to identify, repress and combat organized crime. It is coordinated by the MP and made up of members of the Military, Civil and Criminal Police, State Revenue and Fire Department.

The investigation is confidential. In a note, the MP stated that:

"The State Court of Criminal Organizations issued warrants against 13 people being investigated, including people who hold elected office or hold public positions in the municipality. In addition to suspending the exercise of public functions by seven municipal authorities, the court decision prohibited them from approaching their respective workplaces and maintaining contact with each other."

Investigation

The first phase of the operation took place in July this year, when the MP began investigating the suspicion that residents of Itapoá had been coerced into expressing support for specific candidates of interest to the criminal group. The pressure would have occurred in the 2024 elections.

The second phase took place on August 24, 2026. On that date, investigators also investigated the group's alleged activities in São Francisco do Sul.