The Federal Police (PF) in Brazil launched the second phase of Operation Venire on July 4, 2024, intensifying its investigation into alleged fraud in COVID-19 vaccination records, including those of former President Jair Bolsonaro and his family. The operation targeted Washington Reis, former mayor of Duque de Caxias and current Secretary of Transportation of Rio de Janeiro, and Célia Serrano, Secretary of Health of Duque de Caxias.During the operation, the PF seized approximately R$ 200,000 in cash from Washington Reis’s residence, with R$ 164,000 in Brazilian reals, $7,500 in US dollars, and some euros. This discovery has raised questions about the origin and purpose of these funds, adding a new dimension to the ongoing investigation.The investigation, which began in May 2023, revealed a scheme to insert false vaccination data into government health systems, potentially allowing beneficiaries to bypass health restrictions in Brazil and the United States. According to the PF, the falsification of Bolsonaro’s vaccination records occurred in December 2022, indicating he had received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine in Duque de Caxias on August 13 and October 14, 2022.Former President Bolsonaro has been indicted by the PF not only for his alleged involvement in this vaccination fraud case but also for the illegal sale of luxury items, including jewelry and watches, given to him by foreign authorities. Bolsonaro has denied receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and claims there was no tampering with his health records.The operation is part of a broader investigation into digital militias and misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic. As the investigation continues, the PF aims to identify new beneficiaries of the fraudulent scheme and gather more evidence about the insertion of false vaccination data into the Ministry of Health’s systems.
Key points
- The Federal Police launched the second phase of Operation Venire, investigating COVID-19 vaccination record fraud involving former President Bolsonaro.
- Approximately R$ 200,000 in cash was seized from the residence of Washington Reis, a key target in the investigation.
- Bolsonaro has been indicted for his alleged involvement in the vaccination fraud case and illegal sale of luxury items.
- The investigation revealed a scheme to insert false vaccination data into government health systems, potentially allowing beneficiaries to bypass health restrictions.
Contradictions👾While most sources report the cash seizure as approximately R$ 200,000, one source specifically mentions R$ 164,000 in Brazilian reals plus foreign currency, indicating some discrepancy in the reported amounts.
