The PF () launched this Tuesday (14) the sixth phase of Operation Overclean, which targets embezzlement of public funds and money laundering using resources from parliamentary amendments.
One of the targets of the search and seizure was federal deputy Dal Barreto (União Brasil), who had his cell phone seized by the police. In a statement, the parliamentarian stated that he did not have access to the police investigation and that he is available to the PF for collaboration.
“I also reiterate my full confidence in Brazilian institutions and that, as soon as possible, all points will be duly clarified,” he said.
“I am sure of the honest, republican and legal conduct that I have always dealt with public resources, so my complete innocence will be amply demonstrated.”
In total, eight search and seizure warrants and a precautionary measure other than arrest were executed and amounts allegedly obtained illegally were seized in the cities of Salvador and Amargosa, in Bahia, and in Brasília (DF). The orders were issued by the STF (Supreme Federal Court).
According to the police, the objective is to dismantle a criminal organization suspected of involvement in bidding fraud, embezzlement of public resources, corruption and money laundering.
Those investigated may face charges of criminal organization, active and passive corruption, embezzlement, fraud in tenders and administrative contracts, in addition to money laundering.
Overclean’s investigations point to the activities of a criminal group that allegedly affected Dnocs (National Department of Works Against Droughts), a body linked to the Ministry of National Integration, especially in Bahia.
The group, according to the PF, would have directed resources from parliamentary amendments and agreements to companies linked to municipal administrations, with overpricing for works and financial deviations. He allegedly handled around R$1.4 billion in fraudulent contracts and overpriced works.
Operation Overclean was launched last year and investigated fraud in garbage tenders, irregular routing of amendments and corruption in city halls.
The inquiry, which has among its main targets, went to the Supreme Court for citing federal deputy Elmar Nascimento, who represents the party for Bahia.
People close to the political group of the mayor of Salvador, Bruno Reis, have also been targeted. The investigations led to the removal of the Secretary of Education of Belo Horizonte, Bruno Barral, who held the same portfolio in Salvador under former mayor ACM Neto.
When the investigations into Overclean went up to the STF, the Federal Police asked that they be under the responsibility of , and not .
The PGR (Attorney General’s Office) opined that they should continue, a decision maintained by the then president of the STF, minister. Among other reasons, the PF wanted the case to stay with Dino because the minister has several investigations related to parliamentary amendments in his hands.
In January of this year, three months after the operation was launched, Nunes Marques ordered secrecy regarding the processing of the case, which has already reached the court under judicial secrecy. The change took the process to the highest level of restriction. As a result, only the rapporteur, employees designated by him, the Public Ministry and the parties can access the progress.
