The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Paraná (MP-PR) has filed criminal charges against businessman Igor Freitas, his partner Rodrigo Rossi and Raphael Ribeiro, accusing the trio of attempting to recruit footballers to manipulate matches across Brazil’s national leagues.
Igor Freitas is the son of Acelino Freitas, better known as Popó, a former world boxing champion and one of Brazil’s most recognizable sports figures.
According to prosecutors, the group targeted players from Série A, B and C competitions.
The case stems from Operation Derby, which initially investigated an alleged offer of BR15,000 ($2,843) to Londrina players in exchange for deliberately receiving yellow cards during a Série C match.
Court documents accessed by local media indicate that Igor Freitas made first contact with players through Instagram and WhatsApp, presenting himself as Popó’s son and describing himself as a businessman with direct access to “the biggest companies in the national market”.
Once initial contact was made, players’ phone numbers were reportedly passed on to Rossi, who continued the conversations.
Prosecutors say Freitas referred to his partner as someone who worked “with more than 25 legalized operators in Brazil”, an assertion now central to the investigation.
One of the clearest examples cited in the indictment involves Reinaldo Silva, Mirassol’s fullback, who was allegedly contacted in August 2025.
Prosecutors say Rossi sent the footballer a WhatsApp voice message followed by a disappearing message. Silva’s response, included in the case file, was direct: “Brother, thanks. I don’t do that, I’ve already said it.”
The three defendants have been charged with criminal association under Brazil’s Penal Code and sports corruption under the General Sports Law.
If convicted, they face prison sentences ranging from two to six years, in addition to fines. Prosecutors are also seeking BR150,000 in collective moral damages, arguing the alleged conduct harmed sporting integrity and public trust.
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