MP and PF operation investigates fraud in tenders, diversion of resources and financing of faction in the city of Cabedelo (PB), with contracts that could reach R$ 270 million
The mayor of Cabedelo (PB), Edvaldo Neto (Avante), elected last Sunday (12), was removed from office this Tuesday (14), just two days after the victory at the polls, for alleged connection with the Red Command (CV). The decision is part of the Operation Citruslaunched by the Special Action Group against Organized Crime of the Public Ministry of Paraíba (Gaeco/MPPB), the Federal Police (PF) and the General Comptroller of the Union (CGU).
The action fulfills 21 search warrants e seizure e other precautionary measuresincluding the mayor’s removal e of public servants. According to the bodies, the objective is deepen evidence collection, preserve research e prevent the continuation of alleged irregularities.
The research indicates that a criminal organization operated within Cabedelo City Hall through fraudulent hiring of labor companies linked to “Tropa do Amigão”, a branch of Comando Vermelho. Faction officials would have infiltrated the municipal structureallowing the circulation of public money for organized crime. Administrative contracts would still have been used as a form of maintain power, territorial influence e “institutional shielding”.
According to the MP and PF, the scheme involved a consortium between top political agents of the city, businesspeople e faction members. The total value of the contracts investigated can reach R$270 million. The investigation indicates crimes of frustration of the competitive nature of bidding, diversion of public resources, money laundering e criminal organization financing. Other crimes may be identified throughout the investigations.
The bodies highlighted that the operation reinforces the commitment to fight corruption ea organized crime infiltration in public structures.
Edvaldo Neto was elected mayor of Cabedelo last Sunday in a supplementary election. He received 16,180 votes, equivalent to 61.21% of the valid votes, with Evilásio Cavalcanti Neto (Avante) as vice-president.
A Young Pan He contacted the city hall, but did not receive a response until the publication of this article. The space remains open.
