RIO DE JANEIRO, May 26  — Former Fluminense, Flamengo and Brazil international striker Roni has been arrested as part of an anti-fraud operation by Brazilian authorities.

The 42-year-old was detained by civil police during the Brazilian Serie A match between Botafogo and Palmeiras in the capital Brasilia on Saturday night.

Daniel Vasconcelos, the president of the Federal District Football Federation, was also taken into custody.
Police accused the pair of forming part of a “criminal group” that secured rights to football matches using corrupt practices, including tax evasion.

Roni, whose given name is Ronieliton Pereira Santos, was capped five times for Brazil’s senior national team in 1999 and also represented his country at under-23 level.
He retired from football in 2012 and has since worked as a player agent and businessman. – XINHUA