Operation Staging: event contract fraud in Rio Claro (SP) exceeds R$ 2 million
The São Paulo Public Prosecution Service launched an operation against suspected irregularities in contracts from Rio Claro's Tourism Department. Two secretaries were removed from office.
São Paulo Public Prosecution Service removes Rio Claro secretaries in operation against fraud in event procurement
The São Paulo Public Prosecution Service launched, on Wednesday (14th), "Operation Staging" against suspected irregularities in event contracts entered into by Rio Claro's Municipal Tourism Department, in the interior of São Paulo state, as reported by cnnbrasil.com.br. The chief secretary, Guilherme Pizzirani, and the deputy secretary, Marcelo Portes, were removed from their positions.
Search and seizure warrants were executed in Rio Claro and in Mairiporã, targeting companies, warehouses and public offices. Teams seized electronic devices, storage media and documents.
The investigation examines suspected bid-rigging, collusion, price inflation and misappropriation of public property at the department between 2021 and 2026. The investigated contracts involve events in the municipal calendar, such as Carnival, Easter festivities and the enactment of the Passion of Christ. The values under investigation exceed R$ 2 million.
According to the prosecution, evidence was identified of recurring favour shown to a scenography company under investigation. The alleged scheme would have included setting short deadlines in public notices, the premature closure of administrative appeal stages and the prior storage of thematic structures in property belonging to a private company linked to municipal administration.
The investigation also pointed to evidence of price inflation in decoration contracts, as well as the use of municipal vehicles and machinery in the execution of services formally assigned to private companies.
In a statement, the Public Prosecution Service informed that the proceedings are being conducted under judicial secrecy to preserve evidence collection and the instruction of the case. The operation has the support of Gaeco (Special Task Force for Combating Organised Crime) and the 10th Baep (Special Police Actions Battalion).
Source: Google News BR — Crime