Political and Business Leaders Detained
The eight individuals, including Calheta’s mayor Carlos Teles, were brought to court for questioning after being arrested in a major anti-corruption operation by the PolĂcia Judiciária (PJ). The investigation, dubbed “AB INITIO” focuses on suspected economic and financial crimes.
Large-Scale Investigation Unveils Corruption Network
The operation, which began in 2020, targeted public officials and businesspeople suspected of illegal business dealings, corruption, and unlawful political financing. Police conducted 43 searches at various locations, including government offices.
Security Tightened for Court Appearance
The detainees, held in Funchal Prison since Tuesday, arrived at court under heavy security. Among them were former Agriculture Secretary Humberto Vasconcelos and Bruno Freitas, head of the Madeira Health Administration. They were escorted alongside other suspects linked to unrelated cases.
The investigation was launched in 2020 by the National Anti-Corruption Unit and the Madeira Criminal Investigation Department and focuses “on conduct considered to be highly organized crime.
Allegations of Rigged Contracts and Political Funding
The investigation covers over 25 public contracts between 2020 and 2024, totaling more than one million euros. Authorities suspect that contracts were awarded to companies linked to a single person, bypassing public procurement rules and inflating costs to clear political debts.
Source: Observador
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