World · Latin America · 18 hrs ago
Former São Paulo council leader indicted in probe of PCC-linked bus firms
Police indicted former São Paulo council leader Milton Leite among 16 people in an investigation into alleged links between the PCC crime group and bus companies.
The probe examines claims that the PCC infiltrated public transport companies in São Paulo and sought influence in public life.
Investigators say Leite may have had control of Transwolff, one of the companies under scrutiny; Leite denies the suspected ownership.
Authorities suspect the PCC influenced or controlled 12 of the city’s 22 bus companies, as well as firms in other areas of São Paulo state.
The investigation also examined alleged efforts to fund political candidates and gain public influence.
Leite surrendered to police on September 18 and has been held temporarily since then.
The inquiry is continuing, and its findings will go to prosecutors and the courts for review.
Former São Paulo city council president Milton Leite was indicted among 16 people in an investigation into alleged PCC links to bus companies.
The Civil Police inquiry was presented on November 7 and examined alleged criminal-group influence in public transport and public affairs.
Investigators allege Leite was directly responsible for the operation of bus companies under investigation, including Transwolff.
Leite denies the suspicion that he controlled Transwolff and has said he will prove his innocence.
The inquiry says the PCC may have influenced or controlled 12 of the 22 bus companies operating in São Paulo.
Investigations continue, and the report will be reviewed by prosecutors and the judiciary.
- Who
- Milton Leite, former president of São Paulo’s city council, was among 16 people indicted by the Civil Police.
- What
- He was indicted in an inquiry into alleged PCC infiltration of bus companies and links with public officials.
- When
- The inquiry was presented on November 7. Leite surrendered to police on September 18 and has been held in temporary custody since.
- Where
- São Paulo city and other areas of the state, including Mogi das Cruzes, the ABC Paulista region and the Baixada Santista.
- Why
- Investigators are examining alleged PCC influence or control of transport companies and possible efforts to influence public affairs and political candidacies.
Civil Police and investigators
Milton Leite
Alleged role at Transwolff
Civil Police and investigators
Investigators say Leite was cited as a suspected person directly responsible for operating bus companies under investigation.
Milton Leite
Leite denies the suspicion that Transwolff belonged to him in practice.
PCC links
Civil Police and investigators
The inquiry investigates alleged PCC influence or control of bus companies and possible links with political figures.
Milton Leite
Leite’s denial concerns the suspicion that he controlled Transwolff; the article does not report a broader response to the inquiry.
Leite surrendered to police at the narcotics investigations department in Mogi das Cruzes and has remained in temporary custody since.
The Civil Police presented the inquiry, which resulted in 16 indictments.
Police said they would analyze outstanding material, investigate money-laundering suspicions further and identify possible additional participants and companies.
- Indictments
- 16 people
- Bus companies in São Paulo
- PCC allegedly influenced or controlled 12 of 22
- Company under investigation
- Transwolff
- Police unit
- Dise, in Mogi das Cruzes
- Inquiry presented
- November 7
What people are saying
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