The Federal Police is executing search and seizure warrants at the home of Congressman Ricardo Abrão, of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), on Thursday as part of an investigation into a vote-buying scheme in Nilópolis, in the Baixada Fluminense region, during the 2024 municipal elections. Federal agents are also executing personal search warrants against the parliamentarian, and the court authorized the lifting of data confidentiality from seized electronic devices.
The operation is a follow-up to an investigation started in October 2024, which resulted in the arrest of 24 people. In February 2025, during Operation Astreia, additional court orders were executed as part of the same investigation.
Ricardo Abrão is the nephew of gambler Aniz Abraão, known as Anísio, and son of former Nilópolis Mayor Farid Abrão. He was also president of Beija-Flor de Nilópolis. In March 2024, then-Mayor Eduardo Paes removed Ricardo Abrão from the Secretariat of Community Action.
The congressman maintained relationships with Chiquinho Brazão, who has been in custody since March 2024 on suspicion of being the mastermind behind the assassination of Councilwoman Marielle Franco.
