50 Inspectors Sent In A Military Airplane From The Mainland, Investigating The President
Just when you think it has become awfully quiet about the scandal that keeps unfolding in Madeira, around 50 inspectors from the Judicial Police (PJ) were transported on Monday by a Hercules C-130 military aircraft from the Portuguese Air Force to Madeira International Airport. The purpose of this transportation is to conduct investigations targeting Madeira president Miguel Albuquerque who is under investigation by the Central Department of Investigation and Criminal Action (DCIAP).
Mega Operation In January
Similar movements occurred at the end of January this year when authorities requisitioned the collaboration of the Air Force and also rented several vehicles. Miguel Albuquerque, Pedro Calado (former mayor of Funchal), and Avelino Farinha (founder of the AFA Group) are the main suspects in the investigation by DCIAP into alleged corruption in Madeira.
Two Ongoing Operations
In January, the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP) decided to investigate the case involving Miguel Albuquerque autonomously from suspicions regarding Pedro Calado, the mayor of Funchal who resigned, and the two Madeiran businessmen. Thus, there are two ongoing inquiries at DCIAP regarding suspicions of corruption in Madeira.
Miguel Albuquerque Is A Defendant, Shielded By Immunity
Miguel Albuquerque is facing several allegations, including an alleged crime against the rule of law, where the former president of the regional government reportedly intervened in a newspaper article in July 2023, requesting Pedro Calado to speak with Avelino Farinha to influence the removal of a journalist. Although the journalist was not removed, the DCIAP considers that there are indications of a crime involving the manipulation of journalists, potentially compromising press freedom, protected by the Portuguese Constitution.
Alleged Pact With Regional Companies
Additionally, the MP believes that the former president of the Regional Government may have entered into a corrupt pact with regional companies, enjoying luxurious vacations with his family at the Savoy Hotel in Funchal, provided by Avelino Farinha, owner of the AFA company, which oversees most public works in Madeira.
Source: Sapo.pt
Care for a share?
Comments