State Representative Thiago Rangel (Avante) He was arrested on Tuesday morning (5) during the fourth phase of Operation Nail and Flesh, The operation, launched by the Federal Police, targets an alleged fraud scheme in the procurement of materials and contracting of services, including renovation works, at the Rio de Janeiro State Department of Education (Seeduc).
In total, the agents went out to execute seven preventive arrest warrants and 23 search and seizure warrants in the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Miracema, and Bom Jesus do Itabapoana. The orders were issued by the Supreme Federal Court (STF).
Who is Thiago Rangel?
Originally from Campos dos Goytacazes, in the North Fluminense region, Thiago Rangel Lima was born on July 2, 1986. An entrepreneur in the retail sector, he built his political career at a young age, holding public office in the state.
Before holding elected office, he was the regional superintendent of the Institute of Weights and Measures of the State of Rio de Janeiro (IPEM-RJ) and director of Inspection at the Department of Road Transport of the State (Detro-RJ), where he led initiatives aimed at renewing the fleet of intercity transport.
In 2020, he was elected councilman in Campos dos Goytacazes, being the most voted candidate of his party in the municipality. During his term, he presented legislative projects and proposals, including those focused on the social and economic areas. He also announced the donation of his own salary, during the most critical period of the Covid-19 pandemic, to purchase basic food baskets for vulnerable families.
Two years later, in 2022, he was elected state representative with 31.175 votes. In the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj), he began to advocate for issues related to education, health, agriculture, and job and income generation.
The news report was unable to locate the politician's defense. The space remains open for any statements they may wish to make.
Contract targeting scheme
According to the investigations, the irregularities involve the Northwest Regional Directorate of Seeduc (State Department of Education), identified as an area of political influence for Rangel. According to the Federal Police, there was manipulation of contracts awarded by state schools to pre-selected companies linked to the investigated group.
After receiving public funds, those responsible for the companies made withdrawals and financial transfers that, according to the investigation, fueled a network of companies linked to the scheme. Part of the embezzled funds was allegedly mixed with legitimate resources in accounts belonging to a network of gas stations managed by the leader of the criminal organization.
Those under investigation could face charges such as organized crime, embezzlement, bid rigging, and money laundering.
Another arrest warrant issued by the Supreme Federal Court targeted former congressman Rodrigo Bacellar, who is already in prison.
Developments from previous investigations
The current phase of the operation originated from the analysis of materials seized in previous stages of Operation Unha e Carne, which began in December 2025. At that time, the investigation targeted the leaking of classified information from police operations against Comando Vermelho.
According to the Federal Police, these leaks allegedly compromised police operations and benefited suspects linked to the criminal faction. The case became part of the context of ADPF 635, which deals with guidelines for public security operations in the state.
In the first phase, Bacellar was identified as responsible for passing on confidential information from Operation Zargun, launched in September 2025. The main beneficiary, according to the Federal Police, would be former congressman Thiego Raimundo de Oliveira Santos, accused of acting as a political coordinator for the criminal faction.
Progress of investigations
The second phase of the operation deepened the investigations into the origin of the leaks and led to the preventive arrest of Judge Macário Ramos Júdice Neto, of the Federal Regional Court of the 2nd Region. According to investigators, there is evidence that the magistrate passed on information to Bacellar, who subsequently forwarded it to TH Joias.
The Federal Police claim to have identified messages, call records, and evidence of close ties between those involved, suggesting the existence of an exchange of favors.
In the third phase, launched in March of this year, Bacellar was arrested again after the Superior Electoral Court revoked his mandate in a case related to the Ceperj scandal. The decision was made by Minister Alexandre de Moraes, based on a complaint filed by the Attorney General's Office.
Operation broadens focus to corruption in education.
The fourth phase marks a shift in focus in the investigation, which now includes suspicions of misappropriation of public funds in the education sector. This action is part of the so-called "Redentor II Mission," aimed at the targeted repression of organized crime and the financial crippling of criminal groups.
According to the Federal Police, the objective is to dismantle financial structures that support illicit activities, expanding the scope of investigations beyond drug trafficking.
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