The case involving jiu-jitsu coach Melquisedeque Galvão has taken a new turn. During a session at the Legislative Assembly of Amazonas (Aleam) on Tuesday, state deputy Alessandra Campêlo stated that the suspect allegedly used a cellphone inside the prison to make video calls and intimidate athletes from the ‘BJJ College’ team.
The lawmaker presented a video that, according to her, recorded one of those calls. In the footage, the former coach appears to be pressuring athletes to support his release from prison, while also offering benefits such as covering the expenses of his son, Mica Galvão—a rising star in the sport—and granting access to his academy.
“The brand continues. Mica is still with the brand. Mica is huge. Mica will boost you. I will use Mica to boost you, and you will have your own space in time. My detention has a deadline. It’s only temporary, a 30-day detention. In 30 days, I’ll be free,” reads a passage attributed to Melqui Galvão in the recording presented by the deputy.
According to the complaint brought to Aleam, the alleged illegal use of a mobile phone inside the prison was employed as a means of pressure and intimidation against athletes and individuals involved in the case. This development has further amplified the investigation’s impact and heightened concerns within the jiu-jitsu community, both in Brazil and abroad.
The coach remains in temporary custody by order of the São Paulo courts, investigated for suspected sexual crimes against minors. Charges include rape of a vulnerable person, sexual harassment, threats, and computer device intrusion. He was arrested in Manaus (AM) and later transferred to São Paulo, where the case is being processed in the 2nd Court of Crimes Against Children and Adolescents of São Paulo’s capital district.
