“Bitcoin Pharaoh” Wife Denied Release in Brazil: Request Rejected Over Unmet Vegan Diet Claim

Odaily Odaily Planet Daily News, the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice (STJ) has rejected the release request of Mirelis Yoseline Diaz Zerpa, a Venezuelan woman who is the wife of “Bitcoin Pharaoh” Glaidson Acácio dos Santos, currently held in pre-trial detention. Her legal team filed a habeas corpus petition, citing reasons including the prison's failure to meet her “vegan diet” needs. However, the court ruled that dietary preferences do not constitute grounds for illegal detention, and any related adjustments can be handled administratively by the prison system at its discretion.

Judge Maria Marluce Caldas, presiding over the case, noted that dietary restrictions based on personal choice lack the legal standing to overturn the legality of the detention, thus upholding the original ruling while requesting the prison to make reasonable dietary arrangements where conditions permit. Case documents show that Mirelis had been a fugitive in the United States for nearly four years before being deported back to Brazil due to visa issues and subsequently arrested. Prosecutors accuse her of involvement in organized crime leadership and large-scale crypto asset transfers, linked to investigations such as “Operation Kryptos.”

The Brazilian Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF) stated that during the investigation, approximately 20 million reais worth of crypto asset movement was identified, and related account operation records in Florida, USA, were traced. Authorities believe she still retains the ability to remotely control funds, posing a significant judicial risk. The case is currently under further review. (livecoins)