Government Suspends Property Registrations Linked to Willer Tomaz in Angra dos Reis
The federal agency halted registrations of four properties amid investigations into money laundering allegations.
1Federal Property Registration Freeze
The Secretariat of Federal Heritage (SPU) has officially suspended the registration of four properties located on Ilha Comprida, Angra dos Reis. This administrative action targets assets held by lawyer Willer Tomaz. The move follows a formal representation filed by federal deputy Tábata Amaral, citing concerns over the legality of these federal land occupations.
2Dispute Involving Footballer Richarlison
One of the suspended properties is at the center of a legal battle involving Brazilian footballer Richarlison. The player claims he invested R$ 10 million in 2020 to purchase the mansion. Richarlison alleges that Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a friend of Willer Tomaz, intervened to seize control of the property after the footballer refused to sell it.
3Rapid Authorization Process Investigated
The SPU is currently investigating potential irregularities in the authorization process that granted Tomaz occupation rights. Records indicate the request for occupation was submitted at 11:33 AM on July 11, 2022, and approved less than two hours later. Authorities are now scrutinizing whether the required regulatory checks were performed before this swift approval.
4Broader Investigation and Allegations
Willer Tomaz is currently under investigation at the Supreme Federal Court (STF) alongside Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The probe focuses on suspected money laundering activities. While the senator denies any involvement in the property dispute, he was previously named as a witness in the ongoing judicial proceedings regarding the possession of the specific mansion.
5Extensive Real Estate Portfolio
Beyond the disputed property, Willer Tomaz holds interests in five other houses across islands in Angra dos Reis. Most of these acquisitions occurred between 2021 and 2022. These assets, held through various companies, include significant land plots on Ilha Comprida and Ilha do José André, with registered patrimonial values reaching millions of Brazilian Reais.
6Legislative Context and Ambitions
The property acquisitions coincided with Senator Flávio Bolsonaro’s legislative efforts to stimulate development in Angra dos Reis. The senator proposed projects to municipalize federal conservation units and supported the 'PEC das Praias,' which aims to privatize maritime islands. These initiatives align with past government rhetoric seeking to transform the region into a major tourist destination.
7Defense and Legal Stance
Willer Tomaz maintains that his companies acquired the occupation rights legally. He argues that Richarlison negotiated with individuals who were not the legitimate owners of the land. The lawyer further asserts that the player’s company has already faced multiple defeats in the judicial system, including rulings from the Superior Court of Justice (STJ).
8Implications of the Suspension
The temporary suspension aims to restrict any potential transfer of possession while the government reviews the legitimacy of the occupation permits. This case highlights the intersection of high-profile political influence, real estate development in protected areas, and federal land management. Future developments depend on the SPU’s final findings regarding the initial authorization process.