Operation investigates million-dollar corruption scheme and arrests former inspector from Teresópolis A woman caught carrying R$500,000 in cash after leaving a bank branch in Teresópolis, in the Serrana region of Rio, in January this year, was arrested this Thursday (9) during an operation by the Public Ministry of the State of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ) investigating an alleged scheme to embezzle more than R$86 million from the Rio Metrópole Institute (IRM). According to the MPRJ, Caroline Soares Barros, known to investigators as "the woman with the suitcase", was responsible for withdrawing large amounts of money to make it difficult to track the misappropriated resources. The episode recorded in Teresópolis was one of the facts that gave rise to the investigation. According to the Public Ministry, between May 2025 and January 2026, Caroline made 13 withdrawals totaling just over R$3 million. Investigators claim that she was escorted by security guards when withdrawing the cash. ? Follow the g1 Região Serrana channel on WhatsApp. 'Woman with a suitcase' is arrested in investigation of millionaire embezzlement Fabiano Rocha/Agência O Globo The investigations also show that Caroline presided over an entity that received resources from companies contracted by the Rio Metrópole Institute and, at the same time, held a position in the municipality itself, where she supervised these contracts. Caroline was arrested along with the president of the Rio Metrópole Institute, Davi Perini Vermelho, known as Didê, and other members of the organization's leadership. They are being investigated on suspicion of being part of a bid fraud scheme, contract targeting, corruption and money laundering. In total, the Public Ministry served six arrest warrants and nine search and seizure warrants in Teresópolis, the capital and São Gonçalo. Eleven people were charged with criminal organization, passive corruption, bid fraud, fraud in public contracts and money laundering. According to the investigation, the group would have embezzled more than R$86 million between July 2022 and May 2026 through contracts signed by the Rio Metrópole Institute. In a statement, the State Government informed that the investigation originated from internal audits and that the reports were forwarded to the Public Ministry. The defense of those being investigated may still speak out in the process. READ ALSO: Video with racist speeches after Student Games generates repercussions in Cantagalo; young man apologizes in audio Online betting affects consumption and raises alert for commerce in the Serrana Region, says research Petrópolis receives free vaccination for dogs and cats this Saturday