Targets are investigated on suspicion of embezzlement scheme and omission of inspection
Roberto Gavioli, Matias Antônio Romano de Ávila, Wesley Lúcio Cavalcante Melo and former advisor José Odair de Souza, known as “Caveira”, were denounced by the (Public Ministry of São Paulo) this Wednesday (April 15, 2026). They are accused of involvement in a misappropriation scheme and omission of supervision that would have generated R$3.47 million between 2018 and 2023.
The Public Ministry requests that those accused return a total of R$7.35 million to the an amount that includes monetary correction and interest on the total amount of money originally diverted.
THE ROLE OF EACH COMPLAINT
According to the MP-SP complaint, the scheme operated through “advances” funds that did not return to the club or did not have proof of use:
- José Odair de Souza (“Skull“): appointed as the final beneficiary. The former head of security at Corinthians would have received almost R$3.5 million in personal accounts and those of his company under the justification of paying for security services;
- Roberto Gavioli and Wesley Melo: former managers and financial directors were reported for qualified omission. The MP-SP understands that they had a legal duty to monitor the transfers;
- Matias Ávila: former financial director (2018-2020), reported for criminally relevant omission.
CONTRADICTIONS IN THE ACCOUNTS
The investigation states that the transfers were recorded internally as “advances for the presidency”. The MP-SP highlights that “Skull“ had free access and trust in the management of Andrés Sanchez and Duilio Monteiro Alves.
Gavioli, one of the central names in the financial sector, had already been removed by the club in October 2025, after suspected irregularities involving corporate cards.
FORMER PRESIDENTS UNDER SUSPICION
Although they are not classified as defendants in this specific complaint, former presidents Andrés Sanchez and Duilio Monteiro Alves continue to be investigated by the authorities. The MP-SP stated that further investigations will be carried out to determine whether there was direct participation or collusion by the former representatives in the scheme, given their proximity to those accused.
O Poder360 He contacted Roberto Gavioli, Matias Antônio Romano de Ávila and Wesley Lúcio Cavalcante Melo to ask if they would like to comment on the case. Text messages were sent via social media. There was no response until the publication of this report. The text will be updated if a statement is sent to this digital newspaper.
