Regys Odlare Lima de Freitas, the former rector of the State University of Roraima (UERR), has been charged by the Public Ministry of Roraima for allegedly leading a criminal organization that siphoned off significant funds from the university. According to the special action group against organized crime (Gaeco), it is claimed that between 2016 and 2022, at least R$ 15.1 million was embezzled, revealing a serious breach of trust and abuse of power within the institution.

The investigation indicates that the scheme involved fraudulent activities surrounding public procurements, leading to a substantial loss for the state institution. In addition to the charges against Freitas, businessmen Bruno Rheno Pinheiro and Shirley Ibiapino Cirqueira, who are partners in the company Ibiapino & Pinheiro Ltda, were also implicated. They face accusations of peculation, bid rigging, and organized crime association, highlighting the extensive criminal network that undermined university resources.

As part of the legal proceedings, the Public Ministry is seeking restitution of R$ 27.6 million (adjusted for inflation) from those involved, plus an additional collective moral damages payment of R$ 100 million intended for UERR. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat corruption in public institutions and holds accountable those who exploit their positions for personal gain, further provoking public discourse on governance and accountability in Brazilian educational institutions.