Former governor of Mato Grosso do Sul and his son arrested in operation investigating corruption.
The 5th phase of Operation Asphalt Mud, called Mud Papyri, arrested the former governor of Mato Grosso do Sul, André Puccinelli, and his son, André Puccinelli Júnior; the objective is to combat a criminal organization that embezzled public funds; the group is accused, among other crimes, of rigging bids and overpricing public works; the losses caused by the scheme to the public treasury exceed R$ 235 million.
Aécio Amado, reporter for Agência Brasil - The 5th Phase of Operation Asphalt Mud, called Mud Papyri, was launched this morning (14) by the Federal Police (PF) in Mato Grosso do Sul. The objective is to combat a criminal organization that diverted public funds. The group is accused, among other crimes, of rigging bids and overpricing works. Former governor André Puccinelli and his son, André Puccinelli Júnior, are among those arrested.
"There is already evidence of irregularities and overpricing in public works, bid rigging, use of forged documents, illicit and irregular acquisition of products and works, granting of targeted tax credits, and payment of bribes to public officials. Losses caused by the scheme to the public treasury exceed R$ 235 million," informs the Ministry of Transparency and the Comptroller General of the Union (CGU), which is also participating in the operation, in a statement.
According to the CGU (Brazilian Federal Comptroller General), Tuesday's operation stems from the analysis of materials seized in previous phases of Operation Asphalt Mud and testimonies from collaborators who participated in the criminal scheme. According to the ministry, "the bribe money was masked through various types of simulated transactions, in order to give a false impression of legality to the increase in the assets of the organization's members or to provide greater financial support to the projects."
Federal police officers are executing two preventive arrest warrants, two temporary arrest warrants, six warrants for coercive questioning, and 24 search and seizure warrants. In addition, the courts have ordered the seizure of funds in the bank accounts of individuals and companies under investigation.
The Federal Police operations are taking place in the cities of Campo Grande, Nioaque, and Aquidauana, in Mato Grosso do Sul; and in São Paulo. More than 300 people are participating in the operation, including federal police officers and auditors from the Comptroller General's Office (CGU) and the Federal Revenue Service.