MP wants to question Muricy and Rui Costa in São Paulo corruption probe | OneFootball

The investigations surrounding São Paulo have reached new levels in the judicial sphere, with decisions that broaden both the scope and the rigor of the inquiries. The ongoing criminal proceedings have been referred to a court specialized in money laundering and organized crime, after judges who had been following the case since August identified what they considered to be “very strong” indications of this type of crime.

The judges understood that the investigations revealed structured and continuous financial operations, with potential harm to the club, which goes beyond common administrative irregularities, justifying the proceedings being handled by an instance with greater expertise in complex financial crimes and structured organizations. The expectation is for a more technical deepening, with a detailed analysis of financial flows, contracts, and possible links between the individuals and legal entities involved.

Parallel to the criminal investigations, the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP-SP) has launched a second inquiry, this time in the civil sphere, to investigate potential embezzlement, reckless management, and other issues related to the club. The focus is to determine damages and civil liabilities, with the possibility of compensation if those responsible are identified.

Among the first measures, the MP has ordered the hearing of several directors and employees, such as Muricy Ramalho, Rui Costa, and Márcio Carlomagno, who must provide information about “improper payments to club officials and possible conflicts of interest with outsourced companies, with possible embezzlement from São Paulo’s bank accounts,” within thirty days. President Júlio Casares and other directors have also been officially notified.

The civil inquiry also covers other sensitive topics, such as the investment fund at the Cotia youth academy, the report of clandestine box sales, the possible relationship of Casares’ son with youth team businessmen, and the prescription of weight-loss pens to players. In another procedure, also in the civil court, the MP is investigating alleged reckless management that may have contributed to the club’s indebtedness.

In another development, the Tricolor received a recommendation from an external inquiry to review all contracts signed by Douglas Schwartzmann and Mara Casares, club directors who were suspended after admitting participation in an irregular box scheme.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.