Hidelbrando Canabrava Rodrigues Neto, the ex-vice-mayor of Itaúna, Minas Gerais, has returned to Brazil and is under house arrest with electronic monitoring as of February 9, 2026. He is implicated in a major corruption investigation led by the Federal Police as part of 'Operation Rejeito', which is examining an alleged billion-dollar corruption scheme within the mining sector in Minas Gerais. The case has garnered significant attention due to its potential implications on public trust and governance in the region.

The investigation has not only affected Rodrigues Neto personally but also led to significant political ramifications within the city. In January, the Itaúna City Council declared his vice-mayoral position vacant after he left the country without proper authorization, violating the local Organic Law. This decision highlights the council's commitment to addressing governance issues and maintaining administrative integrity in light of the ongoing corruption probe.

As investigations continue, the use of electronic monitoring signifies the seriousness with which authorities are approaching this case. The implications of these events are profound, potentially influencing public perception of political figures and the mining industry in Minas Gerais, which plays a vital economic role in the state.