Copa Libertadores finalist Gremio have been spying on opponents throughout the 2017 season, according to ESPN Brasil.
A five-month investigation has revealed the two-time Brazilian champions hired an individual to film and photograph training sessions -- both open and closed -- of every Copa Libertadores, league and Copa do Brasil opponent during the current campaign.
The individual used drones, as well as cameras hidden in trees, buildings and walls to tip the Porto Alegre club on on the strategies of their rivals, which included starting XIs, rehearsed plays and tactical schemes. Gremio also filmed Botafogo's training session before their Libertadores' matches.
Last week, ESPN Brasil reporters caught the hired spy near a closed training ground session for Argentine side Lanus, who Gremio face in the Copa Libertadores final which begins on Wednesday.
When asked by producers if he worked for the Brazilian club, the spy, who had been spotted with a drone, said: "I don't work, friend. I only take photos."
Questioned about the drone, he replied: "I don't know about the drone. You made me lose it. I take photos. Am I not allowed to take photos?"
According to the report, the individual had also filmed closed training sessions for Libertadores opponents Barcelona of Guayaquil, Ecuador, who Gremio beat at the semifinal stage of the competition, and Godoy Cruz of Argentina, who they ousted in the round of 16.