Sorocaba Mayor Rodrigo Manga Suspended for 180 Days After Federal Health-Contract Probe

Overview

• A federal court ordered Manga’s removal for 180 days as part of the Polícia Federal’s Operação Copia e Cola into municipal health contracts.
• Police executed seven search-and-seizure warrants and two preventive arrests and secured judicial orders to freeze about R$6.5 million in assets.
• Businessman Marco(s) Silva Mott, described as a friend of the mayor and suspected of lobbying and money laundering, was among those arrested, with his defense calling the measure unnecessary.
• The Sorocaba administration said Vice-Mayor Fernando Martins da Costa Neto assumed the mayor’s duties to maintain public services.
• Manga responded on social media alleging political persecution without presenting evidence; he was re-elected in 2024 with 73.75% of valid votes and has a large online following.