VaideBet case: ex-Corinthians president hit by new court setbacks

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Central do Timão

·1 October 2025

VaideBet case: ex-Corinthians president hit by new court setbacks

By Daniel Keppler / Central do Timão Editorial Staff

Former Corinthians president Augusto Melo has suffered two new legal defeats in appeals seeking to halt the VaideBet case investigations. Decisions from the São Paulo Court of Justice (TJ-SP) and the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) upheld the validity of the evidence and the progress of the criminal action against the former leader, who had his mandate revoked by the club's associates in early September.

In the first decision, the 8th Criminal Law Chamber of the TJ-SP denied a habeas corpus filed by Melo's defense, which requested the annulment of the indictment for criminal association, qualified theft, and money laundering. The defense argued illegality in the evidence due to the use of COAF reports without prior judicial authorization. The panel, however, rejected the argument, understanding that the data sharing occurred within a formal investigation and is supported by STF Topic 990.

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In Brasília, the Fifth Chamber of the STJ unanimously denied a Regimental Appeal from the former president's defense. The virtual decision was made in a trial held between the 18th and 24th of this month, and it was the first setback for Augusto Melo in a merit trial, after several attempts to obtain injunctions. The defense's argument also revolved around the need for prior judicial authorization for the use of COAF data, and was equally rejected.

Thus, the criminal action against the former black-and-white leader continues normally. Augusto Melo became a defendant after the Justice accepted an indictment from the São Paulo Public Ministry (MP-SP) against him and three other people, under the accusation of criminal association, qualified theft, and money laundering related to Corinthians' sponsorship contract with VaideBet. The process is under judicial secrecy and the MP-SP is asking for a compensation of R$ 40 million to the club, in addition to the seizure of the defendants' assets.

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