Police Caught Pedro Calado With Cash, Was His Mother Involved?

Pedro Calado Caught with 100,000 Euros Including Cash And Deposits

The mayor of Funchal and former vice-president of the regional government of Madeira, Pedro Calado, was arrested yesterday. He remains in detention in Lisbon and has now been scrutinized for possessing almost 100,000 euros, including cash and deposits. In this regard, CNN Portugal reports that the Judicial Police (PJ) inspectors found 20,000 euros in notes at Calado's home and an additional 10,000 hidden in his mother's house.

Did His Mother Act As a Strawman?

The Public Ministry suspects that Calado's mother may have acted as a front for him, receiving money from bribes and transferring it to her son. Cash deposits totaling 67 thousand euros were discovered in Calado's accounts between 2018 and 2021, coinciding with his vice-presidency in the regional government. The investigation suggests that the nearly 100,000 euros are just the surface of the benefits Calado received from decisions favoring construction companies during his tenure.

AFA Group, Socicorreia, and Caldeira e Costa Under Investigation

Companies like the AFA group, Socicorreia, and Caldeira e Costa allegedly secured contracts worth millions of euros through corrupt practices. The Public Prosecutor's Office asserts that Calado was bribed to finance personal activities, including rally competitions, and cover other private expenses. Among those detained is Custódio Correia, the owner of Socicorreira, a company involved in contracts worth more than 17 million euros related to rally competitions. Caldeira Costa had 76 percent of contracts signed with the vice-presidency of the regional government, where Calado served, awarded through direct adjustment. The AFA group, where Calado was an administrator, gained 17 million euros in three contracts within six months with the Funchal city council led by Calado.

Pedro Calado's mother, over an indefinite period of time, is said to have received sums of money, at least in cash, which she then transferred to Calado's accounts.

Public Ministry

Possibly, This is All Just The Tip of The Iceberg

Additionally, suspicions arise regarding contracts worth 96 million euros with Afavias during Calado's vice-presidency in the government led by Miguel Albuquerque. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are delving deeper into potential corruption and financial irregularities involving Pedro Calado.

Source: CNN Portugal
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