NOVA VIÇOSA (BAHIA, BRAZIL) – One of the largest education fund corruption schemes ever recorded in southern Bahia is nearing a landmark ruling. The Federal Justice system is on the verge of confirming the conviction of former mayor Carlos Robson Rodrigues da Silva — widely known as “Robinho” — for his direct involvement in a devastating fraud scheme that siphoned millions in public funds through fictitious school transportation contracts.

Robinho, whose wife currently occupies the same mayoral seat he once held and used to execute the scandal, is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent operation involving the hiring of a company with no technical capacity, no infrastructure, and no track record in school transportation. The name of the shady firm? Construtora LRV Ltda. — which, according to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office (MPF), was handpicked despite being utterly unqualified for the job.

More than administrative negligence, the prosecutors were clear: there was intentional fraud, willful misconduct, and a blatant intent to steal. The scheme was designed to drain funds from the former FUNDEF (Fund for the Development of Fundamental Education), money meant to secure the future of thousands of children. Instead of school buses on the roads, only empty promises remained — and the pockets of the corrupt were filled.

THE SCAM EXPOSED

Despite receiving over R$ 1.5 million, the hired company never deployed a single vehicle. The documentation was weak, lacking any technical basis, and payments were approved even though no services were provided. For the MPF, this was a sophisticated legal simulation scheme with a single objective: to steal public money under the guise of legality.

Due to the severity of the case, Regional Federal Prosecutor Auristela Oliveira Reis issued a scathing legal opinion requesting the full upholding of Robinho’s first-instance conviction. The case is now awaiting a decision by the 4th Panel of the Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region (TRF-1), and expectations are high.
The legal proceedings are registered under Case No. 0000780-55.2008.4.01.3310, with Judge Marcos Sousa serving as presiding rapporteur.

Proposed penalties include:

• Suspension of political rights;

• Prohibition from contracting with public entities;

• A fine of over R$ 25,000;

• Full reimbursement of misappropriated funds to FUNDEF;

• Long-term ineligibility for public office.

THE STRATEGIC SILENCE OF THE CLAN

Meanwhile, the current mayor — Robinho’s wife — has been quietly maneuvering behind the scenes, trying to erase the scandal’s traces. Locals report questionable contracts and administrative actions being used to manipulate documents, erase fraud trails, and shield allies linked to the scheme.

For many citizens, the current administration is nothing more than a disguised continuation of Robinho’s political project, which remains influential and politically shielded despite overwhelming evidence and a looming final verdict.

Anti-corruption groups and civil society movements have labeled the case as a prime example of institutionalized impunity, where power remains in the hands of those who betrayed public trust. The city is now a stage of collective outrage.

POPULAR OUTCRY AND DEMAND FOR JUSTICE

With his name plastered across posters, news reports, and investigations, Robinho has become a symbol of corruption and scandal. The “Ghost Bus” case has drawn national attention and was the subject of in-depth journalism by TV Globo’s Fantástico program, which interviewed residents and filmed routes where school buses never ran.

The National Movement Against Corruption has staged multiple protests, elevating the case to an international alert level — not just due to the amount stolen, but to set a precedent against future crimes in Brazilian education.

The people of Nova Viçosa are closely following the developments, demanding that the Judiciary act firmly and exemplarily. What’s at stake is more than just a contract — it’s the future of betrayed students, the integrity of public administration, and the credibility of local democracy itself.

The city cries out for justice, and the nation watches. It is now up to Federal Justice to deliver the final word — and show that crimes against education can no longer go unpunished.