David Almeida, the Mayor of Manaus, recently spoke out about the arrest of Anabela Cardoso Freitas, his former chief of staff, as part of the Operation Erga Omnes. This operation investigates the alleged political connections of the criminal organization Comando Vermelho (CV) within the state. During a press conference on Monday, Almeida announced his candidacy for the Governor of Amazonas and used this opportunity to express his doubts about the validity of the police operation. He criticized that no significant criminals were captured nor any drugs or vehicles seized, questioning the operation's authenticity.

The police believe that the arrested individuals, including Freitas, exploited their public positions to facilitate the operations of the CV in the region. The operation led to the enforcement of 14 arrest warrants, with a notable concentration in Amazonas, indicating a broader concern regarding organized crime's influence in public sectors. This incident raises significant questions about political accountability and the relationship between organized crime and local governance in Brazil.

Almeida's statements reflect a defensive stance as he navigates the impacts of this investigation amidst his political ambitions. His comments could be interpreted as an attempt to distance himself from the issue while also rallying public sentiment against what he perceives to be a flawed operation. This situation exemplifies the complicated interplay between politics and crime in Brazil, particularly in states struggling with the pervasive influences of drug trafficking organizations.