MP carries out operation against cartel scheme and corruption at shows in SC
A cartel and corruption scheme in the entertainment sector in several cities in Santa Catarina is the target of an operation by the Public Ministry this Tuesday morning (7). Businessman José Clemir Spinelli is the subject of a preventive arrest warrant.
50 search and seizure warrants were also executed in 19 municipalities, 18 of which were in Santa Catarina and one in Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, during Operation "Bread and Circus", carried out by Gaeco (Special Action Group to Combat Criminal Organizations). The orders are carried out in residences and public agency buildings, against public servants and former public servants, businesspeople and others being investigated.
The action investigates the existence of a cartel formed by businesspeople from the events sector who, over the years, structured and implemented a bid fraud scheme to eliminate competition, manipulate prices and dominate the market for shows featuring nationally renowned artists.
In addition to fraud, businesspeople and public agents resorted to paying and receiving bribes to make the scheme viable and money laundering to hide the amounts obtained through irregularities.
The warrants were authorized by the Court of Justice of Santa Catarina, since the investigation involves people with jurisdiction by function prerogative. Among the judicial determinations are the unavailability of around R$9 million in assets and values to guarantee eventual reparation to the public treasury and the application of precautionary measures, such as removal from duties, restrictions on contracting with public authorities, prohibition of access to municipal offices and contact between those investigated and witnesses, in addition to other obligations established by the Court.
"Bread and Circus"
The operation received its name in reference to the policy adopted by the Roman emperors, who sought to control the common people through the distribution of wheat (bread) and the offering of public shows (the circus).
In this way, they diverted attention from social and political problems, while the nobility enjoyed privileges, wealth and power, perpetuating inequality.
See the cities in Santa Catarina where the warrants are served: Abdon Batista, Apiúna, Aurora, Bombinhas, Brusque, Canoinhas, Governador Celso Ramos, Indaial, Itaiópolis, Itapema, Laurentino, Mafra, Palhoça, Porto Belo, Pouso Redondo, Santa Terezinha, São Bento do Sul and Três Barras
The materials seized during the investigations will be sent to the Scientific Police, which will carry out expert examinations. After the initial analysis, the evidence will be analyzed by the investigation teams to continue dismantling the criminal network.
Source: CNN