A businessman in Brazil has found himself at the center of a scandal following his arrest for illegal possession of a firearm and involvement in an international drug trafficking operation. Rodrigo Morgado, owner of Quadri Contabilidade, was apprehended by the Federal Police (PF) on April 29, 2025, during Operation Narco Vela, which aims to dismantle a criminal network involved in drug trafficking across continents.
Morgado, who gained notoriety recently for a controversial raffle involving a Jeep Compass, is now facing serious legal troubles. The raffle, which he conducted for his employees, turned sour when the winner, 25-year-old Larissa Amaral da Silva, claimed that the vehicle, valued at over R$ 100,000, had multiple mechanical issues that cost her approximately R$ 10,000 in repairs. After reporting these problems and facing financial difficulties, Amaral was dismissed from her position and was forced to return the vehicle, which she alleged was taken back without her consent.
The saga surrounding the Jeep Compass raffle went viral last week, drawing public attention to Morgado's business practices. According to Amaral, the company imposed conditions for her to keep the car, including the requirement to continue working for another year and to meet specific performance targets. However, after she sublet the vehicle to cover her financial burdens, she was terminated by the company, which cited ethical and behavioral issues as the reason for her dismissal.
In the context of Operation Narco Vela, Morgado's arrest was part of a larger investigation into international drug trafficking, particularly targeting routes to Europe and Africa. The operation involved over 300 federal police officers and 50 military police officers executing multiple arrest and search warrants across several Brazilian states, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Maranhão, Pará, and Santa Catarina. Additionally, international warrants were executed in the United States, Italy, and Paraguay, resulting in a total of 23 arrests as of the latest updates.
During the operation, authorities seized luxury vehicles, including a Ferrari 296 GTB and a Lamborghini Urus, allegedly belonging to Morgado. The businessman was found in possession of a firearm during the police operation, leading to his immediate arrest. Morgado has a history of serious accusations, including threats, slander, and fraud, which have raised questions about his business ethics and practices.
Amaral's attorney, Paulo Leandro Ferreira, disclosed that Morgado allegedly threatened him during attempts to negotiate a settlement regarding the raffle dispute. Ferreira also reported that a colleague of Morgado received an intimidating call linked to a supposed extortion attempt involving R$ 100,000. This pattern of behavior has further complicated the legal landscape surrounding Morgado and his business.
The raffle incident has sparked outrage among the public, particularly as it highlights the potential exploitation of employees within corporate environments. Many are questioning the ethical implications of such promotions that come with hidden costs and conditions that can lead to employee distress and financial burden.
On social media, Amaral shared her experience, detailing the challenges she faced with the Jeep Compass and the subsequent actions taken by Morgado and his company. She explained that despite winning the vehicle, the conditions imposed made it nearly impossible for her to maintain ownership without incurring significant costs. This revelation has resonated with many who empathize with her plight.
As the investigation continues, Morgado's business practices and the circumstances surrounding the raffle will likely remain under scrutiny. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and fairness in corporate promotions, especially those that involve significant prizes.
Operation Narco Vela aims not only to dismantle drug trafficking networks but also to address the broader issues of organized crime in Brazil. The involvement of high-profile individuals like Morgado underscores the complexities of such operations and the challenges law enforcement faces in combating these criminal enterprises.
In light of the ongoing investigations, the future of Quadri Contabilidade remains uncertain. The company, which has been a focal point in this scandal, must navigate the fallout from both the raffle incident and Morgado's legal troubles. As authorities continue to uncover the extent of the criminal activities associated with Morgado, it is clear that this case will have lasting implications for all parties involved.
As the public awaits further developments, the case of Rodrigo Morgado serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of business, ethics, and legality in the corporate world. The outcome of this situation could pave the way for more stringent regulations regarding corporate promotions and employee treatment in Brazil.
