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MPRJ Denounces Rio Lawmakers Over Alleged R$357.9 Million Bidding Fraud

Searches and cash seizures this week underpin prosecutors' claim that hidden controllers used shell companies to capture municipal food contracts as they seek R$357.9 million in restitution and the loss of two mandates.

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MPRJ denuncia deputado por fraude em contratos de R$ 357,9 milhões
Deputado estadual Rafael Nobre e o vereador de São João de Meriti Julio Ricardo dos Santos Henriques, o Magrão Nobre, ambos do União Brasil

Overview

  • Prosecutors filed a formal criminal denúncia charging ten people, including state deputy Rafael Nobre and councilman Júlio 'Magrão' Nobre, with organized crime, bid fraud, falsified documents and money‑laundering following judicial searches.
  • The complaint, presented by the MPRJ on July 16, 2026, focuses on three specific contracts even though investigators link the group to about 45 municipal food‑service agreements totaling roughly R$357.9 million.
  • Court‑authorized searches reached the Alerj office and municipal chamber and yielded documents and cash, with R$21,000 seized at Rafael Nobre’s home and R$45,000 taken from Magrão Nobre’s residence.
  • The MPRJ says the scheme used 'sócios‑laranjas' (front partners) and coordinated companies to simulate competition in bids, and prosecutors point to internal files that they say show centralized control of the firms.
  • Defenders deny wrongdoing and say the measures were investigative only, while the Tribunal de Justiça do Rio will decide whether to receive the denúncia and open a criminal action that could lead to trials, restitution and possible loss of mandates.