According to investigations, the company Outsider Tours sold trips to international departures, but did not deliver the services
This Monday (May 18, 2026) the Red Card operation was carried out against the company Outsider Tours. The company is being investigated for scams involving travel packages. According to investigations, the group sold tickets, accommodation and tickets for international games, but did not deliver the services.
The company was the target of consumer complaints about packages for the Copa Libertadores, the 2024 Champions League final and , according to the Police. Customers reported problems during travel or not receiving tickets.
Outsider’s activities ended at the beginning of 2026, but the Civil Police are investigating whether the group continued to operate informally after that date.
9 search and seizure warrants were executed in the city of Rio de Janeiro. One of the targets is the company owner, Fernando Sampaio. In a statement, the defense stated that the businessman is available to provide clarifications and that “there is no judicial conviction decision, nor formal recognition of criminal responsibility“.
Sampaio was arrested in January, in Balneário Camboriú (SC), but has been free since May 6th. The Court of Justice of Pará granted you have a body to the businessman after accepting evidence of the company’s closure and compensation for damages to injured customers in the State.
Here is the full defense note:
“Fernando Sampaio’s technical defense, made up of lawyers Felipe Raúl Haas and Fernando Martins Xavier de Almeida, publicly clarifies that it received with serenity the measures recently implemented within the scope of the so-called ‘Operation Red Card’.
“From the first moment, Fernando made himself fully available to provide all necessary clarifications, reaffirming his commitment to legality, business transparency and the proper functioning of institutions.
“It is important to highlight that, to date, there has been no judicial decision to convict, nor formal recognition of criminal responsibility. The investigation is in its initial phase, which is why the defense considers it essential to be cautious in disclosing information and to have absolute respect for the constitutional guarantees of the presumption of innocence, contradictory proceedings and full defense.
“The defense also emphasizes that it does not condone prejudgments or anticipated conclusions based exclusively on unilateral investigative narratives, especially in procedures that are still ongoing and under partial secrecy.
“After a full analysis of the records and the elements actually produced in the investigation, the defense will adopt all applicable legal measures to completely clarify the facts and preserve the rights and image of Fernando Sampaio.
“Finally, the defense reinforces confidence in the institutions and the Judiciary, believing that the truth will be reestablished at the end of the official investigation.”
