Brazilian Federal Police Launch Operation Make Up Targeting Deputy Mario Frias

Supreme Court Minister Flávio Dino has imposed precautionary measures against Federal Deputy Mario Frias (PL-SP), prohibiting the lawmaker from leaving Brazil and contacting other investigated parties. These measures are part of Operation Make Up, a joint effort by the Federal Police and the Comptroller General of the Union (CGU) that executed 49 search and seizure warrants across São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Ceará, and the Federal District on Thursday.

The investigation focuses on a suspected criminal organization of public and private agents that allegedly diverted public funds from parliamentary amendments to irregularly subcontracted companies without proof of service. Investigators identified financial movements totaling hundreds of millions of reais and attempts to hide the diversions until July. The probe examines crimes including embezzlement, money laundering, and criminal organization. Specifically, a CGU audit found irregularities regarding 2 million reais in amendments indicated by Frias for entities linked to producer Karina Gama, including the Instituto Conhecer Brasil (ICB) and the Academia Nacional de Cultura (ANC).

Frias is a screenwriter and executive producer of the film Dark Horse, which depicts the trajectory of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The investigation seeks to determine if diverted funds benefited the film's production. Frias has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the accusations are speculative and that all required documentation for the amendments exists.

Reporting on the event differs by political perspective. A center-left source focused on the legal details of the operation and the specific crimes being investigated. In contrast, a center-right source framed the operation as political persecution, noting that opposition leaders in the Chamber of Deputies are using the event to pressure the Senate for the impeachment of Minister Dino.