Overview
- Federal Police launched Operation Coffee Break on November 12 with about 50 searches across São Paulo, Paraná and the Federal District, leading to multiple preventive arrests and the seizure of roughly R$2.1 million in cash.
- Investigators say Life Tecnologia Educacional steered about R$111 million in municipal contracts using simulated competition and heavy overpricing, with books reportedly bought for up to R$5 and resold for as much as R$80.
- The inquiry alleges owner André Gonçalves Mariano used doleiros, cash deliveries and the word “café” as a kickback code, with 26 suspected cash drop-offs documented at Sumaré between 2021 and 2024.
- Financial records cited by the PF indicate R$549,000 paid via Life to settle a secretary’s high-end apartment and nearly R$3 million in luxury-store spending in cash by Hortolândia’s vice mayor.
- Target Carla Ariane Trindade is under scrutiny for alleged influence peddling after trips to Brasília financed by Mariano and a recorded 2024 visit to the education minister’s office, as authorities analyze seized materials and one suspect remains at large.