Corinthians rocked by explosive police report on sponsorship scandal | OneFootball

According to Globo, the São Paulo Civil Police have finalized their investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding Corinthians’ sponsorship deal with VaideBet, producing a report exceeding 270 pages and indicting five individuals, including the club’s suspended president, Augusto Melo.

The inquiry, led by police delegate Tiago Fernando Correia from the specialized money laundering unit, focused on the processes by which the R$370 million sponsorship agreement was brokered and the subsequent handling of intermediary payments. Indictments were issued to Augusto Melo, former marketing chief Sérgio Moura, ex-administrative director Marcelo Mariano, and Alex Cassundé—partner at the agency Rede Social Media Design—which was paid as an intermediary. Each faces charges of aggravated theft, criminal association, and money laundering. Former legal director Yun Ki Lee was also cited for failing to prevent potential wrongdoing.

Authorities examined more than 20 testimonies and scrutinized telecommunication and banking records. Of particular note were a series of “atypical financial transactions” involving Augusto Melo, flagged by Brazil’s financial intelligence agency COAF. Investigators traced 87 cash deposits totaling R$157,770 shortly after his election as Corinthians president, with a sudden spike in frequency and sums beginning in December 2023. The report asserts there was a “deliberate attempt to circumvent banking controls,” raising questions about the legitimacy of the funds. Melo said these deposits reflected cash withdrawals from his businesses, all reported correctly for tax purposes.

Testimony provided to police—some anonymously—alleged that these funds were used to settle campaign debts, some reportedly incurred with support from businesspersons, music artists, and a local money lender in east São Paulo. Police treated these statements with caution, noting the lack of substantiating evidence.

Multiple contradictions emerged in the questioning of the accused regarding how Alex Cassundé became involved as an intermediary. Phone data analysis showed Cassundé was not at Corinthians’ facilities during key meetings, challenging claims made by several involved. Police determined that Washington de Araújo Silva, Antônio Pereira dos Santos (Toninho Duettos), and Sandro dos Santos Ribeiro were the actual intermediaries for the deal, supported by photographs and video evidence. Despite this, R$1.4 million was paid to Cassundé’s company, then routed through a convoluted chain of firms, some of which included so-called “shell companies,” before significant sums landed at UJ Football, an agency already scrutinized for alleged criminal affiliations.

The report also details a private investigation commissioned by Corinthians’ vice-president Armando Mendonça, who said he raised concerns internally but found little appetite from club leadership to pursue the matter.

Regarding VaideBet itself, police criticized the betting company for being uncooperative and for making extracontractual arrangements with club supporters’ organizations, but did not recommend charges against its agents. The club’s official supporters group, Gaviões da Fiel, denied any formal involvement in such activities.

The case file is now in the hands of prosecutors, with a judge set to decide whether to proceed with formal charges, at which point the accused would present their legal defenses.

Source: Globo