Cafu César, vice mayor of Hortolândia, São Paulo, has resumed his duties as of Thursday after a court ruling allowed his return following an investigation into public bidding fraud. Previously, César had been removed from office after being arrested by the Federal Police in November 2025, as part of a broader operation targeting corruption in public contracts. His absence was formalized by the city council, which voted to approve his unpaid leave due to the serious nature of the allegations against him.

In December, the court granted a habeas corpus request that led to the annulment of his preventive detention, while still enforcing certain precautionary measures. These measures include a requirement for him to appear monthly in court and restrictions on his travel, specifically the retention of his passport. The recent judgment by the Superior Court of Justice subsequently lifted some of these measures, including the prohibition against him holding public office, allowing him to return to his duties as vice mayor.

This case raises significant concerns about corruption in local government and the integrity of public officials in Brazil. The return of Cafu César to office, despite ongoing investigations, has sparked debate about accountability and the effectiveness of judicial measures designed to prevent corrupt practices among elected officials. Observers will be closely watching how these developments unfold in the context of ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Brazilian politics.