Brazil’s Federal Police carried out a search warrant on Tuesday in the capital as part of the second phase of an investigation into the alleged diversion of public funds linked to a biographical film about former President Jair Bolsonaro, targeting a property connected to Raphael Augusto Azevedo, a former adviser to federal deputy Mario Frias, according to the outlet ICL Notícias and statements to Folha de S.Paulo.
The operation, named Make Up, aims to deepen inquiries into the possible irregular use of funds from parliamentary amendments destined for cultural institutions and allegedly diverted to other purposes, including the production of the film Dark Horse. The action was authorized by the Supreme Federal Court, which oversees the investigation, and seeks to clarify the destination of public funds and possible irregularities in contracts and financial transfers.
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The first phase of Make Up took place on September 10, when the Federal Police executed 49 search and seizure warrants in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Ceará and the Federal District. Those investigated included Frias, the film’s screenwriter and executive producer, and Karina Ferreira da Gama, head of the production company Go Up Entertainment.
Investigators point to the possible existence of an organization made up of public officials and businesspeople that allegedly channeled funds from parliamentary amendments to irregularly subcontracted companies without demonstrating that the contracted services were actually provided. The investigation also examines transfers to the Instituto Conhecer Brasil, an organization linked to the film’s production company.
The Brazilian Federal Police searched 49 properties belonging to individuals accused of participating in a network that illegally raised funds to finance a biographical film about former President Jair Bolsonaro (2019–2022), a far-right politician currently serving a 27-year… pic.twitter.com/1xbnyIkt00
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) September 11, 2026
In 2024, deputies Mario Frias, Bia Kicis and Marcos Pollon, all from the Bolsonaro sphere, jointly allocated 2.6 million reais (about 460,780 dollars) in parliamentary amendments to an organization presided over by a partner of the production company. Investigators are looking into possible crimes of embezzlement of public funds, document forgery, money laundering, criminal organization and irregularities in bidding processes.
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