In a significant development in a high-profile sexual abuse case, jiu-jitsu instructor Melquisedeque de Lima Galvão Ferreira, widely known as Melqui Galvão, has been transferred from the state of Amazonas to São Paulo. The transfer, authorized by the judicial system, occurred on Thursday, May 7th, as confirmed by the Amazonas Civil Police. Galvão had been held in a special cell at the General Police Station (DG) in Amazonas since his arrest in late April.
The arrest stems from multiple allegations of sexual abuse, with investigations identifying at least three victims. Among them is a 17-year-old former student who reported non-consensual acts during an international sports competition. The victim, who currently resides in the United States, provided testimony along with family members. Another victim reported being only 12 years old at the time of the alleged incidents.
The investigation, led by the 8th Women's Defense Police Station (DDM) in São Paulo, has gathered compelling evidence. This includes a recording in which the accused allegedly admits to the facts indirectly and attempts to prevent the case from proceeding by offering financial compensation. The probe has also uncovered two other potential victims in different Brazilian states.
Authorities executed the arrest warrant in Manaus after Galvão traveled to Amazonas less than 24 hours prior. He presented himself to police following coordination between the two state police forces. Concurrent with the arrest, three search and seizure warrants were carried out at locations linked to the suspect in Jundiaí, in the interior of São Paulo.
Melqui Galvão is a prominent figure in the martial arts community, holding a black belt and operating an academy in the northern zone of Manaus. He also served as a self-defense instructor for the Amazonas Civil Police. Following the severity of the accusations, he has been precautionarily suspended from his duties pending the conclusion of the investigations.
The case continues to develop, with the Amazonas Civil Police stating that investigations in Manaus are ongoing. This includes both in-person and virtual depositions to further examine potential crimes. The transfer to São Paulo marks a new phase in the legal proceedings against the instructor.
Based on reporting from g1.