Brazil Police Raid Targets 'Dark Horse' Film Financing, Bolsonaro Ally

Brazil's Federal Police launched a major operation on Thursday targeting the financing of "Dark Horse," a film about former president Jair Bolsonaro, executing 49 search and seizure warrants across Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and the Federal District. The operation was authorized by Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino, whose 150-page decision cites evidence of public funds diverted through parliamentary amendments.

The investigation centers on businesswoman Karina Gama, owner of producer Go Up Entertainment and president of the NGO Instituto Conhecer Brasil (ICB). ICB received 2 million reais (336,000 euros) via two amendments from federal deputy Mário Frias, a Bolsonaro ally and the film's executive producer. Police allege the money funded hotel stays, meals, and payments to production companies linked to the movie.

“diversion, for own or third-party benefit, of federal public resources through contracts with signs of simulation”

Justice Dino requested data from São Paulo Civil Police before authorizing the federal operation. In June, São Paulo authorities had launched Operation Wifi-Livre, alleging the city administration under Mayor Ricardo Nunes paid 230% above market rate for ICB to install Wi-Fi points in poor communities. ICB installed only 3,200 of 5,000 planned points.

Financial analysis revealed "atypical movements" of 19 million reais (3 million euros) in Go Up Entertainment accounts. Deputy Frias personally transferred 645,400 reais (108,500 euros) to the company in under 60 days. Marcello de Oliveira Lopes, former marketing chief for Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign, sent an additional 1 million reais (168,000 euros) in 2025.

The PF report describes contracts with "signs of simulation," payments without proof of services rendered, and suppliers with personal or political ties to the investigated network. Both Gama's ANC and Go Up Entertainment were targeted by warrants.