Love Funk and GR6 are investigated by the Federal Police on suspicion of involvement with the criminal faction
Márcio Geraldo Alves Ferreira, the Buddha, member of the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and one of Brazil’s biggest bank robbers, is named as one of the controllers of Love Funk, a São Paulo funk producer, according to a report in the Piauí magazine. The publication claims to have had access to Federal Police (PF) investigations indicating that, in June 2023, Buda pressured Henrique Alexandre Barros Viana, alias Rato, formally the owner of the company, for administrative changes in the production company.
Funk Love Investigation
Conversations intercepted by the PF as part of Operation Latus Actio revealed veiled threats and calls for internal adjustments. Buda allegedly attempted to organize a rescue plan, but the attempt was thwarted by the prison intelligence sector of the State of São Paulo.
The analyzed audios show controversies and disagreements between the members of Love Funk. Rato sent a recording to Moisés Teixeira, known as Careca, another alleged CCP member, stating: “He [Buda] continues to organize a game inside the prison.”
Thanks to growth during the pandemic, Love Funk turned over R$170 million between 2019 and 2022 and currently manages around 200 artists, including well-known funk names such as MC Paulin da Capital, MC Lipi and MC Paiva. According to the IRS, the manufacturer’s financial success was fueled by suspicious sources.
GR6 survey
Another manufacturer, GR6, is also under investigation by the PF. Rodrigo Inácio de Lima Oliveira, founder of GR6, is suspected of suspicious financial transactions and attempting to open an offshore company in the Bahamas, according to Piauí. The businessman, however, declared modest assets and also asked for emergency aid from the government.
The PF found that Oliveira maintains relationships with people close to the PCC. In one of the captured conversations, Muller Souza, GR6’s financial director, warned Oliveira of a possible transfer from drug trafficking: “It could be drugs.” Souza and Oliveira’s defense has denied involvement in money laundering and said the investigation is confidential.
Illegal lotteries
The report also highlights that GR6 members, such as influencer Vitor Hugo dos Santos, organize illegal lotteries and pay bribes to police officers to avoid inspections. In conversations revealed by the PF, MC Ryan, a singer managed by GR6, said he would pay 7% of the amount raised in lotteries for police officers, to ensure the continuity of his activities.
“They [policiais] they wanted 1 and a half million [de reais]we went down to 800 then we got to 500, now I told them that they will send him a coffee there for 50 thousand… then he said he would talk to his people and give me an answer by Friday.. . that’s how it is. It’s pressure, they’ll want to put some pressure on you… […] because they want more money,” Vitor Hugo told Ryan in an audio message sent via WhatsApp on February 28 this year. The next day, the MC sent his friend a lottery statement, saying he had raised 13, R$9 million and which usually pays 7% of this amount to the civil police officers of São Paulo.
Contacted by Piauí, Vitor Hugo’s defense did not comment. Neither Ryan nor his lawyers could be reached by the report.
São Paulo’s Public Security Secretariat said legal and administrative measures will be taken after receiving the PF’s documentation on the suspects.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
