The São Paulo Civil Police has formally recommended criminal charges against Augusto Melo, president of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, for his involvement in a suspected money laundering and criminal conspiracy scheme tied to the now-suspended Vaidebet sponsorship deal.
The deal, signed in January 2024, was hailed as a record-breaking sponsorship in Brazilian football, worth R$370 million (approximately €69.4 million). But just six months later, it was abruptly terminated due to suspected financial irregularities.
Investigators believe club funds were funneled through Rede Social Media Design Ltda, listed as an intermediary, yet allegedly without any actual role in the sponsorship. Alex Cassundé, linked to the firm, is considered a key figure. The company's official partner, Edna Oliveira dos Santos, claims she lives in poverty and has no connection to Cassundé or the transaction, fueling suspicions that she was used as a front.
In March 2024, Corinthians transferred R$700,000 to Rede Social Media Design Ltda and another unnamed entity. Police believe the transfers were part of a broader scheme to siphon funds from the club under false pretenses.
Also indicted are ex-directors Sérgio Moura, Marcelo Mariano, and Yun Ki Lee, who allegedly facilitated the contract's execution. According to the police report filed by Chief Tiago Fernando Correia, there is sufficient evidence for charges of money laundering and criminal association. Vaidebet canceled the agreement in June 2024, citing an anti-corruption clause.
Legal proceedings are expected to begin in early May.
