Minas Gerais, Brazil: Police Operation Detains 22 Suspects for Fraud

On September 9, 2013, Globo reported that “Operation Esopo” detained 22 people for the act of diverting public funds through bidding and the contracting of services. Police report services were overpriced and never delivered. The operation took place in 10 states as well as the Federal District. The Federal Police report that the suspects worked with the Civil Society Organization of Public Interest as well as public officials, companies, and state and federal ministries. Over a five-year period, more than R$400 million was lost. Although many of the arrests were in Minas Gerais, several people were detained in Belo Horizonte including top public officials. The suspects are charged with conspiracy, money laundering, and corruption, facing 30 years in prison. Read Article