Melqui Galvão case: Police arrest trainer suspected of crimes against vulnerable people By Carolina Costa
3 min read
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Melqui Galvão, renowned trainer in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, was arrested this Tuesday (28) in Manaus on suspicion of sexual crimes against minors. Justiça of São Paulo ordered his temporary arrest for 30 days. The warrant was issued on April 23, as part of an investigation under judicial secrecy that also includes search and seizure authorizations and breach of telephone and electronic confidentiality.
The accusations against the 47-year-old coach involve rape of a vulnerable person, sexual harassment, threats and invasion of an electronic device. Relatos indicate that the cases would have occurred in an environment of trust between the coach and students. The police are also investigating signs of intimidation of the victims. An audio attributed to Galvão, which circulates among those involved, shows the coach trying to explain himself about one of the situations investigated.
– BREAKING NEWS 🚨
— MMA HOJE (@mmahoje) April 28, 2026
Temos Informações, de fontes confiáveis, de que Melqui Galvão está preso em Manaus, após se entregar a justiça. Mais informações no decorrer do dia. pic.twitter.com/WNcQ8VIUh9
Trajetória in sport and national recognition
Melqui Galvão built a career marked by training high-performance athletes in jiu-jitsu. Entre the names that passed through his team are Diogo Reis, Fabricio Andrey and Brenda Larissa, recognized competitors on the national and international scene. The coach also gained notoriety for social projects started in Manaus, aimed at young people in vulnerable situations. Sua’s reputation in the sport was consolidated until the moment of his arrest.
Vínculo active on Polícia Civil
Além works in sports, Melqui Galvão is an investigator for Polícia Civil of Amazonas and continues to have an active connection with the organization. The server’s name appears on the payroll in the first months of 2026, according to data from Portal’s Transparência. Como public servant, exclusion from the position does not occur automatically. Medidas as dismissal depends on administrative or judicial decision.
The institution’s Corregedoria must initiate an Processo Administrativo Disciplinar (PAD) to investigate the investigator’s conduct. Até completion of the process, it can remain linked to Polícia Civil, even if removed from its functions. The situation highlights the overlap of public and private functions and their administrative risks:
- Instauração mandatory PAD by Corregedoria
- Afastamento preventive role as investigator
- Revisão from previous cases under the server’s responsibility
- Análise of internal monitoring procedures
- Suspensão automatic access to restricted systems
Reação from the jiu-jitsu community
The arrest provoked an immediate reaction among athletes, gyms and sponsors linked to the sport. Profissionais from the area came under pressure to take a stance on the case. The episode also reignited the public debate about the protection of children and adolescents in sports training environments. Academias and jiu-jitsu federations are now facing demands to review security protocols.
Muitos athletes who trained under Galvão’s guidance spoke out on social media, expressing shock and asking for support for the victims. Patrocinadores have also begun evaluating their associations with the coach and team. The case highlights the need for more robust reporting and protection systems in sporting environments.
Situação procedural and next steps
Melqui Galvão has turned himself in to authorities and is under arrest at Manaus. The case remains under investigation under Justiça confidentiality. Até the moment, there is no condemnation. The investigation must respect the accused’s right to full defense and contradictory proceedings, in accordance with constitutional guarantees. The 30-day temporary detention may be extended depending on the progress of the investigation.
Polícia Civil continues to investigate the allegations and collect statements from victims and witnesses. Justiça of São Paulo must assess whether there are grounds for converting temporary detention into preventive detention. The process tends to gain greater repercussion in the coming days, as new information is released from judicial secrecy.
