✓ verbatim from the press
São Paulo's Civil Police launched Operation Wi-Fi Livre on Monday (June 1st) against Instituto Conhecer Brasil (ICB), an NGO headed by Karina Ferreira da Gama, partner of production company Go UP that produced the film Dark Horse about former president Jair Bolsonaro. The investigation examines suspicions of fraud in a millionaire contract for free internet installation in the state capital. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"A Polícia Civil de São Paulo faz na manhã desta segunda-feira (1º) a Operação Wi-Fi Livre no Instituto Conhecer Brasil, organização não governamental (ONG) de propriedade de Karina Ferreira da Gama, da produtora Go UP, que produziu o filme Dark Horse, sobre a vida do ex-presidente Jair Bolsonaro."
According to the inquiry by the 2nd Police Station for Crimes Against Public Administration (DICCA), at least R$ 26 million of the R$ 157.1 million total contract value (after amendments) was used by the NGO without proper service delivery, potentially constituting misappropriation of public resources. São Paulo's Public Prosecutor's Office and Civil Police also identified that the NGO presented at least R$ 16.5 million in invoices considered irregular to the city hall to justify contract expenses. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"O inquérito da Polícia Civil apura se pelo menos R$ 26 milhões desse montante foram usados pela ONG sem a devida prestação do serviço à cidade de São Paulo, o que configuraria possível desvio de recursos públicos."
"A ONG teria apresentado pelo menos R$ 16,5 milhões em notas fiscais consideradas irregulares à prefeitura para justificar as despesas do contrato."
The contract provided for installing 5,000 free wi-fi points in São Paulo's peripheral communities within 12 months, but only 3,200 points have been installed so far. The investigation included a line of inquiry about possible asset confusion between the institute and Go UP production company, with suspicions that part of the public resources was diverted to fund the Bolsonaro film production. According to G1 reporting, federal deputy Mário Frias, who served as the film's executive producer, allocated R$ 2 million in two parliamentary amendments to Instituto Conhecer Brasil. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Segundo investigação do Ministério Público de São Paulo e da Polícia Civil, a organização teria de instalar 5 mil pontos públicos de acesso ao wi-fi nas periferias da capital paulista no prazo de 12 meses. De acordo com os dois órgãos, foram instalados até agora 3.200 pontos."
"Produtor executivo do filme, Mário Frias teria destinado R$ 2 milhões em duas emendas para a ONG Instituto Conhecer Brasil, presidida por Karina Ferreira da Gama, produtora de 'Dark Horse'."
The operation executed eight search and seizure warrants at the NGO's headquarters, Go UP production company, Karina Ferreira da Gama's properties, and the Municipal Innovation and Technology Secretariat. São Paulo mayor Ricardo Nunes (MDB) defended the investigated businesswoman and stated the action could constitute "political persecution" if related to the film production. São Paulo City Hall denied irregularities and reported it is cooperating with investigations. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O prefeito de São Paulo, Ricardo Nunes (MDB), afirmou nesta segunda-feira (1) que a Operação WI-FI, deflagrada pela Polícia Civil, pode configurar "perseguição política" caso a investigação tenha relação com a produção de um filme sobre o ex-presidente Jair Bolsonaro (PL)."
The operation executed eight search and seizure warrants at addresses linked to the NGO, production company and Municipal Secretariat
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (1)
Monthly cost per wi-fi point was R$ 1,800, considered above market rates
Conflicting versions (1)
Total contract value
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What was the specific destination of the R$ 26 million allegedly paid without service delivery?
Why it's still unknown: The investigation is ongoing and has not yet detailed how the resources were used by the NGO.
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Is there concrete proof that wi-fi contract resources financed the Dark Horse film production?
Why it's still unknown: Police mention 'suspicions' and 'indications' but have not presented definitive evidence of the financial connection.
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Why did the Municipal Court of Accounts recommend suspending the contract, but City Hall maintained the contracting?
Why it's still unknown: Reports mention TCM identified 20 irregularities in the tender, but don't detail why City Hall disregarded the recommendation.