The court of Goiás condemned the former director of the USA Hemp company in Brazil for the diversion of R $ 515,000 from the company in 2022 and 2023. Gustavo Fernandes Marra, who was 22 at the time, was sentenced to qualified theft and continued fraud.
The decision concludes that Marra created a cold invoice scheme to subtract firm values, founded by three Goiás brothers in the US state of Oregon in 2016. 110 notes were identified simulating services not rendered, issued by companies linked to Marra, as well as purchases on corporate card.
The coup was discovered after the partners of the Brazilian Usa Hemp branch noted to notice inconsistencies in finance and hire an independent audit, which proved the fraud.
Graduated in Computer Engineering, Marra was initially hired to make the brand’s website in 2019, when Anvisa regulated the importation of products with CDB and the company started selling items such as ointments and oils in the country. Over time, he became administrator and partner.
According to the company, this is the first criminal conviction that there is a news involving an executive of the medicinal cannabis sector in Brazil, “who still faces regulatory gaps and operational risks.”
In his statement to court, Gustavo Marra stated that he was unaware of the existence of irregularities, claimed that information technology services were effectively provided.
Judge Fabio Vinícius Borsato of the 5th Court of Tax Crimes of Goiás, however, understood that there was enough evidence and sentenced him to three years and four months in open regime, replacing the penalty with community services and payment of a minimum wage to the philanthropic entity. The defense can appeal.
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