Wilson da Rosawho served as former mayor of Tupambae and director of Promotion and Development of the Municipality of Cerro Largohas been sentenced to 16 months in prison for a continued crime of smuggling of alcohol. The sentence was handed down after an agreement reached between the former official’s defense and the Prosecutor’s Office, which allowed a reduction in the severity of the sentence imposed.
The court decided to replace the prison sentence with a probation regime, where da Rosa must serve nightly house arrest for the next four months. In addition, the obligation has been imposed on him to carry out community work once a month and to report weekly to the police authority.
Known for his connection with the National Partyda Rosa had taken second place in the list 164 in the recent internal elections. However, his conviction calls into question his future projection in politics, due to the seriousness of his involvement in a smuggling case that exploited his position of power.
Implications of smuggling
Da Rosa was arrested in the early hours of last Wednesdaywhen he was driving in his truck with two companions. During the arrest, authorities found several boxes containing bottles of beer and whiskey that had been illegally introduced into the country. The prosecutor in the case, Letizia Siqueira, presented compelling evidence about the da Rosa’s involvement in this organized smuggling scheme.
Investigations revealed that the former municipal director organized private events and hired canteens at popular festivals to increase the sale of contraband alcoholic beverages. These drinks, purchased in the border with Aceguáwere marketed under the premise of having entered the country legally. Furthermore, the seizure of his mobile phone made it possible to discover communications that show his active participation in this alcohol trafficking network.
In the context of this case, the other two individuals involved in smuggling, one of whom has a history as former police officerhave also been convicted. They faced five-month prison sentences that, like da Rosa’s, were commuted to probation, reflecting authorities’ tendency to opt for less severe measures in certain cases.
