Operation Vassalos, initiated by the Federal Police (PF) in Brazil, involved the execution of search warrants at a construction company and a vehicle dealership connected to former senator Fernando Bezerra Coelho (MDB) and his sons. This operation is aimed at uncovering fraudulent activities related to parliamentary embezzlement, focusing particularly on two of Bezerra Coelho's sons: Miguel Coelho, former mayor of Petrolina, and Fernando Filho, a federal deputy, both from the União Brasil party. The operation saw the implementation of a total of 42 search and seizure warrants, which included actions taken at the Petrolina city hall.

The investigation is scrutinizing alleged crimes including bid rigging, corruption, and money laundering, reflecting a significant concern regarding political misconduct and the management of public funds in Brazil. The defense team for Fernando Bezerra Coelho has claimed they have not received full access to the case files and assert that all parliamentary funds were correctly allocated. Additionally, both Fernando Filho and Miguel Coelho indicated that some issues being investigated have already been dismissed by the Supreme Federal Court (STF), suggesting a complex backdrop of ongoing legal battles.

This operation highlights the broader issues of corruption within Brazilian politics, especially regarding the handling of government allocations meant for public benefit. With the involvement of high-profile political figures, the case could have extensive implications for the reputation of those involved and the political landscape in Brazil in general, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and calls for reform in how parliamentary funds are managed.