An investigation into violations in paving contracts funded by parliamentary amendments Brazil

The Federal Police (PF) executed 11 search and seizure warrants in Fortaleza (CE) and Natal (RN) as part of Operation Fake Road, launched on Friday (28), to investigate irregularities in paving contracts signed by the National Department of Works Against Drought (DNOCS) and funded through parliamentary amendments. The process is being implemented in partnership with the Controller General of the Union (CGU).

According to PF, investigations were initiated through CGU audits, which identified signs of overbilling, partial or non-existent implementation of services, fraudulent measurements and unjustified favoritism of contracting companies.

The French police reported that “the collected items indicate the actions of public officials and representatives of private companies, in a possible criminal organization aimed at embezzling public resources, with losses estimated at more than 22 million Brazilian reais.”

Of the 11 search and seizure orders issued by the Federal Supreme Court, nine are being executed in Fortaleza and two in Natal. The measures also include requests for judicial freezing of assets and valuables, unavailability of property and vehicles, searches of persons and vehicles, in addition to breaking the banking, tax, telephone and telecommunications secrecy of those being investigated.

The Federal Police stressed that “the operation involves the participation of approximately 50 Federal Police officers and aims to collect new evidence, ensure the cessation of possible illegal practices, and strengthen the Federal Police’s commitment to combating the embezzlement of public resources and corruption.”