Federal police searched and seized documents in the offices of at least ten of the 24 state deputies of Tocantins on Wednesday (3). Authorized by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), The action is part of the second phase of Operation Fames-19that the PF held this morning, in the state capital, Palmas, and also in the cities of Araguaína (TO), João Pessoa (PB) Imperatriz (MA) and the Federal District.
Launched just over a year after the first phase of the operation, that was held at the end of August 2024, The new stage of Fames-19 serves for PF to “deepen investigations into embezzlement of public resources aimed at facing the covid-19 pandemic” and bring together new elements about the possible “use of parliamentary amendments and the receipt of improper advantages by public and political agents”. This Wednesday’s action resulted in the determination of the departure from office, for six months, by Governor Wanderley Barbosa.
According to the advisory of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Tocantins (Aleto), The search and seizure warrants were fulfilled in the offices of the president of the House, Deputy Amélio Cayres (Republicans) and three other parliamentarians who make up the Board of Directors: 1st Vice President Leo Barbosa (Republicans); The 2nd Vice President Cleiton Cardoso (Republicans) and the 1st Secretary of the Bureau, Vilmar de Oliveira (Solidarity).
Also targets of the search and seizure action were state deputies Claudia Lelis (PV), Ivory de Lira (PCdoB), Jorge Frederico (Republicans), Nilton Franco (Republicans), Olyntho Neto (Republicans) and Valdemar Júnior (Republicans).
>> Follow the channel of Brazil agency on WhatsApp
As investigations are being secretly at the STJ, the report did not get details about the justifications for police action in parliamentary offices. In a statement, the Legislative Assembly’s advisory reported that the House’s employees provided “total and unrestricted collaboration to the STJ and the Federal Police in full compliance with the determinations contained in ten search and seizure warrants, with the appropriate availability of all requested equipment, documents and information”.
Also according to the advisory of the Legislative Assembly, not even the Attorney General’s Office had access to the case, which is why he will not comment on the legal reasons that underpinned the court order and the consequent police action. “In addition, the Assembly has not been summoned about any court decision -up, which is still underway.”
Remote governor
According to Brazil agency He reported earlier, the STJ determined, within the new phase of Operation Fames-19, that Governor Wanderley Barbosa will be removed from office for the next six months.
Barbosa has been at the head of the state executive branch since October 2021, when former governor Mauro Carlesse succeeded-who, before waiving office, was also removed by determination of the STJ on suspicion of a bribery scheme.
Governor of Tocantins, Wanderlei Barbosa, in the House of Representatives Bruno Spada/Chamber of Deputies
During the first phase of Operation Fames-19, launched on August 21, 2024, federal agents searched and seizures at addresses linked to Barbosa and other investigated. The investigation is suspected of participation in a scheme that, according to investigators, was set up to defraud the purchase of basic baskets, among other items, during the Covid-19 pandemic, between 2020 and 2021.
According to the PF, The evidence already gathered indicate that the government of Tocantins paid more than R $ 97 million in contracts to provide basic baskets and frozen chickens, with estimated loss of over R $ 73 million to the public coffers. The allegedly diverted amounts would have been hidden through the construction of luxury enterprises, purchase of cattle and payment of personal expenses of those involved.
Consulted by Brazil agencythe state government has not yet commented on the suspicions and the removal of Barbosa. The politician repeated the argument that, at the time of the investigated facts, he was deputy governor [de Carlesse] and was not responsible for expenses related to the basic basket program.
“It is important to emphasize that the payment of the basic baskets, object of the investigation, occurred between 2020 and 2021, still in the previous administration, when I held the position of Deputy Governor and was not ordinator of expenses,” Barbosa reaffirmed in a statement.
The removed governor added that it was his determination for the State Attorney General’s Office and the State Comptroller General to make an audit on the mentioned contracts and fully forward the information to the competent authorities.
“In addition to these arrangements already underway, I will activate the legal means necessary to resume the position of governor, prove the legality of my acts and face this injustice, ensuring the stability of the state and the continuity of services to the population,” concluded Barbosa.
