Operation arrests those responsible for an NGO suspected of laundering money from donations for homeless people in Manaus | Amazon

The Civil Police of Amazonas arrested the founders of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) “Pai Resgatando Vidas” this Tuesday morning (7). According to investigations, the institute received R$20 million in donations over the last four years, which were used to enrich those responsible for the NGO.

Among the people arrested are Cid Marcos Bastos Reis Maia, known as “Father Marcos”, who is responsible for the institution, as well as his son, identified as Wilson. O g1 was unable to locate the suspects’ defense until the last update of this report.

In addition to the arrests, the police also seized four of the family’s cars.

According to the police, the NGO “Pai Resgatando Vidas” was opened with the aim of helping homeless people. The organization had two locations to receive people in situations of social vulnerability, one located in Manaus and the other in the municipality of Iranduba.

During investigations, it was identified that the NGO was known in the capital of Amazonas for publishing videos of homeless people and drug users receiving assistance and care. It was through publicizing this supposed work that the institution made requests for donations. Among the donations received were from people outside the country.

The PC said that the gang withdrew large amounts of money and purchased goods for their own use, mainly luxury cars.

Those responsible for the organization must answer for the crimes of criminal organization, mistreatment, misrepresentation and money laundering.

The Civil Police found that the “Pai Resgatando Vidas” institute owned two properties to house homeless people.

In Manaus, the shelter is located in the Centro neighborhood. During the operation it was identified that the house was empty and in poor condition. Still at the scene, investigators found weapons and ammunition stored in a safe.

The second space used by the organization is located in the municipality of Iranduba, in the metropolitan region of Manaus. This site, which would also be used to receive people in vulnerable situations, was abandoned, according to the police.

Despite this, a TV, air conditioning and condoms were found in the main suite of the property.

*With information from Alexandre Hisayasu from Rede Amazônica.