The Federal Police (PF) executed search and seizure operations at the office of Judge Elci Simões at the Amazonas Court of Justice (TJAM) on the morning of February 24, 2025. This significant action follows the precautionary suspension imposed by the National Justice Council (CNJ) on both Simões and Judge Jean Pimentel, which occurred just days earlier on February 21, 2025, after formal allegations were made against them,
According to reports, the CNJ's decision came on the heels of allegations from Eletrobras (Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras S.A.), which accused the two judges of endorsing documents facilitating the withdrawal of nearly R$ 150 million from the company.
Federal police were seen arriving at the TJAM at around 8 AM local time to carry out the operation, which was coordinated from their superintendence office in Brasília, with support on the ground from local agents. Since the CNJ's suspension order, access to their offices has been strictly prohibited for both judges.
Onlookers noted the urgency of the PF's actions as they rummaged through Simões' office, seeking evidence to clarify the serious allegations. The CNJ has also restricted the magistrates' access to TJAM systems and ordered the sealing of their work equipment for forensic examination. An air of confidentiality surrounds the investigation, which has provided involved parties five days to respond to the accusations against them.
The backdrop to this investigation raises significant concerns over the integrity of the judicial process. The CNJ justified their decisive actions by highlighting the ‘excessive speed’ observed in the processing of cases by Judge Pimentel, which was incongruous with the typical workload expected of the court. Minister Campbell Marques of the CNJ stated,
"The behavior of those involved causes serious damage to the image of the Judiciary Power of Amazonas, mainly by indicating possible violations of the impartiality and equality guaranteed to judges."
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the atmosphere outside the Justice Forum Desembargadora Nayde Vasconcelos as tense, with heavy police presence and heightened activity around the court premises. A video shared on social media depicted the intensity of the moment, illustrating the significant police operation underway.
Further compounding the issues, the probes by Eletrobras suggested possible irregularities linked to the issuance of licenses allowing for significant withdrawals from the company’s funds, creating rifts of distrust within the local judicial branch.
The CNJ's investigation is not merely procedural; it has become emblematic of broader issues surrounding alleged corrupt practices within judicial systems. The requirement for Pimentel and Simões to present defenses to these serious allegations within the stipulated five-day period indicates the gravity of the situation.
Both judges have been stripped of access to their official duties, with their technological equipment locked down for forensic scrutiny. Judgments made under their authority are now being reviewed as questions loom over the legitimacy of their actions.
Receiving mixed reactions from the public, this situation places even more scrutiny on the significance of judicial accountability. For many, it embodies the struggle to maintain integrity within the judicial process amid allegations of misconduct and the potential misuse of power.
The TJAM has publicly stated its commitment to adhere to the directives from the CNJ, emphasizing the importance of transparency and rule of law. The next steps will be closely monitored by both legal experts and public advocates, who are calling for thorough investigations and clear accountability.
Lay observers and stakeholders alike will now watch with bated breath as the investigations progress, with hopes for resolution and restoration of trust within the judicial system.
While the investigation is currently under wraps, the far-reaching consequences of these actions remain at the forefront of public discourse. The future conduct of the involved judges, as well as the overarching judiciary's reputation, hangs delicately on the impending findings.