Brazil soccer star tied to violent gangs who attacked police last year

Brazil soccer star Adriano tied to Rio drug lord

RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilian prosecutors say there are “strong indications” soccer star Adriano transferred money to a notorious drug lord held responsible for attacking a police helicopter last year.

State prosecutors said in an e-mailed statement that after taking a deposition from Adriano, they would request permission to examine the player’s bank accounts and telephones.

Prosecutors say they are focusing on the alleged transfer last December of $33,000 from Adriano to a drug lord wanted by police.

Officials are also looking into conspiracy to sell illegal drugs and the possession of unlawful weapons by organized crime groups as part of the investigation; there was no indication Adriano was involved in those aspects of the case.