Investigated by fraud in bidding and diversion of public funds, Ceará parliamentary had blocked goods and is accused of buying votes with amendment money
The federal deputy (PSB-CE) is appointed by the Federal Police as a central figure in a scheme of manipulation of electoral claims and embezzlement of public resources. The parliamentarian was one of the targets of the operation triggered on Tuesday (8) with authorization of Minister Gilmar Mendes of the Supreme Court (STF).
According to a report obtained by the R7, the PF states that the deputy was directly acted in the purchase of votes and the direction of public funds, allegedly diverted from companies contracted by cearás city halls with funds from parliamentary amendments. The investigation, which is being confidential in the Supreme Court, investigates fraud in bidding, irregular use of public money and possible criminal association to control contracts with municipalities benefited by federal resources. The Attorney General’s Office (PGR) gave a favorable opinion on the steps.
In addition to searching at addresses linked to the parliamentarian and other investigated, Minister Gilmar Mendes also determined the blockade of up to R $ 54 million in goods and financial assets, as well as access to telematic data extracted from seized cell phones.
Political history and defense
Junior Mano is in his second term in the Chamber of Deputies. In the 2022 elections, he was elected by PL as the second most voted in Ceará, with 216,531 votes, behind only André Fernandes (PL). In a press release, the deputy’s advisory stated that he “has no participation in bidding processes, ordering expenses or inspection of administrative contracts.” The defense also maintains that, as a parliamentarian, it does not perform executive functions in municipalities or integrates bidding commissions.
Despite the negative, the Federal Police maintains that there are robust evidence of the deputy’s action in embezzling funds and influence on elections, which motivated the outbreak of the operation and the judicial blockade of his assets. The investigation is confidential, and the next steps depend on the analysis of the seized material and the hearing of those involved.
