Singer Alexandre Pires and his manager Matheus Possebon are under investigation by the FF (Federal Police) for suspected involvement in illegal mining on indigenous lands. The addresses associated with the artist and agent were verified this Monday (4) at the Operação Disco de Ouro. One of the listed addresses is in Itapema, on the coast of Santa Catarina.

Alexander Pires was the subject of an FF investigation – Photo: Adriel Douglas/Disclosure/ND

According to the investigation, Alexandre Pires would have received at least 1 million reais from the mining company under investigation. The businessman is suspected of financing mining in the territory of the Yanomami indigenous people. Possebon will be one of those “responsible for the financial basis of the crimes,” the PF points out.

The singer achieved success in the early 1990s with the pagoda group Só pra Contrariar. Ten years later, he decided to pursue a solo career. The singer has sold more than 18 million records. Alexandre Pires is one of the attractions of the New Year 2024 celebration in Florianopolis.

The investigation was opened after Federal Police seized almost 30 tons of cassiterite illegally mined from the headquarters of one of the suspected companies in January 2022. The package will be sent overseas.

Cassiterite occurs in rough rock form. It is usually sold as a concentrated powder obtained after the extraction process. It is also useful for extracting tin.

The PF claims that those under investigation created a scheme to create the appearance of legality of mining. Cassiterite will be mined in Yanomami territory, in Roraima, but on paper it will be stated that it comes from the Tapajos River.

During the investigation, the Federal Police identified a network of people and companies involved in the fraud.

“Financial transactions were identified that spanned the entire production chain of the scheme, with the presence of aircraft pilots, gas stations, hardware stores, mining equipment and oranges to conceal fraudulent movements,” said a statement released by the PF.

The operation against Alexander Pires took place in seven cities

This Monday, police officers served two arrest warrants and six search and arrest warrants in Boa Vista (RR), Mucahai (RR), Sao Paulo (SP), Santos (SP), Santarem (PA), Uberlandia (MG) and Itapeme.

The Federal Court also authorized the freezing of assets worth up to 130 million reais belonging to those involved in the investigation. The next stage of the investigation will be the analysis of materials seized during the operation.

The report contacted an adviser to Alexandre Pires, who said he would send a note, but the position was not conveyed prior to publication of this text. The space is open for manifestation.

*With information from R7