Brazilian Court Denies Release Request for "Bitcoin Queen" Defendant in Diet Dispute Case, States Vegan Diet Controversy Does Not Justify Pretrial Detention

June 14 (via Brazilian Media) – The Brazilian Superior Court of Justice (STJ) recently rejected a release request for Mirelis Yoseline Diaz Zerpa, a defendant tied to the "Bitcoin Pharaoh" Glaidson Acácio dos Santos case. Zerpa’s defense team had previously applied to have her detention converted to house arrest, claiming the prison could not provide a vegan diet. In its ruling, the court noted that dietary preferences are personal choices, and facilities can make reasonable adjustments within their capabilities. However, the court added that this concern does not constitute a legal reason to lift her preventive detention. Case files reveal Zerpa spent nearly four years as a fugitive in the United States before being deported to Brazil over visa-related issues and detained again. Prosecutors accuse her of involvement in leading a criminal organization and related financial crimes linked to operations named "Kryptos," "Valeta," and "Flyer One." Furthermore, court documents state Zerpa participated in large-scale Bitcoin transfer operations totaling nearly 20 million Brazilian reals while abroad, sparking worries about asset dissipation and the challenge of tracing the funds. Prosecutors argue she still has the ability to access and transfer cryptocurrency assets, posing an ongoing risk. The case remains under further review.