The Federal Police investigate a deviation scheme of parliamentary amendments in Ceará that would have operated with the charge of up to 12% in “return fees” to release funds to municipalities. Federal Deputy Junior Mano (PSB-CE) is appointed as a central articulator of the operation, which he would have. The information was obtained by G1.
In addition to funds indicated by Mano, the inquiry mentions amendments by deputies José Guimarães (PT-CE), Eunício Oliveira (MDB-CE) and Yuri do Paredão (MDB-CE), although none of them were directly targeted by the operation triggered on Tuesday (9).
The investigation, authorized by Minister Gilmar Mendes of the Supreme Court (STF), included searches in Mano’s office in the House of Representatives, in his functional apartment in Brasilia and at his residence in Fortaleza.
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According to PF, the group used so -called voluntary transfers from the Union to irrigate overpriced or targeted contracts to companies linked to political operators. In return, mayors would have passed on parts of the groups. The percentage charged in the transfers was called in the “toll” or “tax” dialogues, a practice described by the investigators as a “institutionalization of corruption”.
Mentioned deny irregularities
José Guimarães denied involvement and said he had not allocated resources for the municipalities mentioned. “I reaffirm that I did not destroy amendments to the locality of Choró (CE). Even in the last municipal elections, we disputed against the current mayor,” said the deputy. Regarding Canindé, he assured that there were no transfers in 2024 and 2025.
Eunício Oliveira’s staff stated that all its amendments are transparent and legal. According to the parliamentarian, the nomination for Canindé occurred only in May, and he has already requested the Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, who suspends the transfer.
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Yuri do Paredão also stated, by note, that he acts with “seriousness” and that all his amendments are available on the House Transfer Portal.
Dialogues and testimonials support suspicions
Conversations intercepted by the PF reveal that Carlos Alberto Queiroz, Bebeto – elected mayor of Choró, but prevented from taking office by the Electoral Justice – articulated, on behalf of Mano, transfers to municipalities for bribery payment.
In one of the message exchanges, Bebeto mentions Guimarães and Eunício as authors of amendments intended for health and paving works. In another, he reports that Guimarães would have released $ 2 million for Choró, while Eunício would have sent $ 1 million to Canindé.
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A key testimonial collected by the PF is that of a former mayor of Canindé, who reported having refused to return 10% of two amendments attributed to Guimarães. The refusal would have motivated his departure from Mano’s group.
In the case of Yuri do Paredão, investigators point to conversations with Bebeto in which the deputy questions about increasing the health investment limit in “some of his” – phrase interpreted as a sign of familiarity with the operation.
New Investigation Front
The PF requested the opening of a specific front to investigate the involvement of the mentioned deputies, who have a privileged forum. The objective is to clarify whether there was direct participation or prior knowledge of the scheme.
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In a statement, Junior Mano said he trusts in court and that “at the end of the investigation, his conduct correction will be recognized.” He denies involvement with irregularities in Ceará city halls.
