A former Brazilian TV host is now under the investigation for allegedly ordering killings to boost the popularity of his show.

Wallace Souza is the former host of a popular crime TV show called “Canal Livre” as well as a state legislator. Police say he is suspected of trafficking in drugs and commissioning at least five murders in order to boost his TV show’s ratings and kill his rivals in the drug trade.

The authorities exposed the TV show host’s other identity as a drug trafficker. The investigation revealed that either Souza or his son had ordered multiple killings and contacted news reporters to tip them off on the victims’ locations. The news reporters often arrived at the scene of the crime before the police. The exclusive and hot pictures Souza showed on his program made his show famous in Brazil before it was taken off last year when police efforts intensified in their investigation.

Police found many bullets when searching Souza’s home, and they are now comparing those bullets with the ones riddling the victims’ bodies.

Raphael Souza, son of Wallace Souza, has already been arrested on charge of homicide, drug trafficking and illegal gun possession. But Souza has denied the accusations. Souza’s attorney says the allegations are politically motivated and should be questioned.

Script: Zhang Hang

Editor: Lou Yi