Over R$ 1.2 million hidden in pouffe: sister of police chief alerts PM in Santo André
The sister of a Civil Police chief found R$ 1.2 million, US$ 120,000 and €12,000 inside a pouffe at home. The Internal Affairs Division has opened an investigation.
Money in national and foreign currency found in furniture in Greater São Paulo
The sister of a Civil Police chief in the state of São Paulo found R$ 1,246,150, US$ 120,000 and €12,675 hidden inside a pouffe at her residence in the Vila Scarpelli neighbourhood in Santo André, in Greater São Paulo, on Saturday (24). The case was reported by g1.globo.com and is being investigated by the Civil Police Internal Affairs Division.
Marise Rezende Corsato Braga told police officers that she opened the internal compartment of the furniture — approximately 50 centimetres wide by 50 centimetres long — and found packages containing banknotes in reais and euros. She called 190 and requested a team from the Military Police to come to the property.
Police chief reportedly left furniture after alleged search and seizure order
According to Marise's account to the PM, police chief Maria Aparecida Rezende Corsato, identified as a member of the 27th Police District, left the pouffe at her sister's house after claiming she was being sought due to an alleged search and seizure order. Until the report was filed, Maria Aparecida had not been located to provide clarification, according to the Public Security Secretariat (SSP).
The location was preserved until forensic experts arrived. The incident was initially reported to the 2nd Police District of Santo André and subsequently forwarded to the Civil Police Internal Affairs Division, as it involved a police chief. In addition to the banknotes, officers seized notes found at the location, the contents of which the SSP did not detail. The funds will be transferred to judicial deposit.
"Unshared inheritance", says police chief; Internal Affairs Division initiates proceedings
In a statement, Maria Aparecida stated that the money came from an inheritance that had not yet been divided and that was in her sister's possession. The police chief attributed the episode to a family disagreement and said her lawyers were already taking the necessary steps.
"My lawyers are already taking the necessary steps to provide all clarification to the Internal Affairs Division, including regarding the origin of the funds," the police chief declared in a statement.
The SSP reported that the Internal Affairs Division has initiated proceedings to investigate the origin of the funds and to determine any criminal and administrative responsibility on the part of Maria Aparecida. The investigation includes Marise giving a statement, as she was the one who contacted police, as well as the carrying out of forensic examinations.
Police chief describes family conflict and cites history of complaints
In the same statement, Maria Aparecida stated that her sister faces emotional problems and had allegedly contacted the Internal Affairs Division following a disagreement between the two of them. According to the police chief, the argument occurred after Marise went to her brother-in-law's workplace and caused a disturbance, on which occasion Maria Aparecida said she took his side.
The officer further alleged that it was not the first time her sister had turned to the Internal Affairs Division following a family disagreement. As an example, she cited an incident in 2008, when Marise had allegedly filed a police report alleging parental abandonment.
Maria Aparecida also alleged that her sister faces problems related to alcohol dependency and said she feared the repercussions of the case would worsen her emotional state.
"My sister and her health are my priorities," the police chief declared.
g1.globo.com noted that the police chief's statements about her sister's health and behaviour were not independently verified by the news outlet.
Source: Google News BR — São Paulo