* Thiago Oliveira, Interim

More than two and a half years after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of embezzlement of public funds continue to be investigated. This Wednesday (5) the Anti-Corruption Task Force (Geac) and the Criminal Organizations Task Force (Gaeco) launched Operation Cash Back in accordance with three search and seizure warrants in the municipalities of Armazem and Northern Hand.

There could be deviations in the management of the Santo António Hospital in Armazem – Photo: Disclosure/ND

The operation aims to collect evidence of crimes against public administration and money laundering, which may have been committed by former employees of the Santo António Hospital in Armazem, as well as another person not related to the medical institution.

According to the investigation, between May and October 2020, more than 120,000 reais were taken from the Santo António hospital. In view of the impressive amount, the theft of valuables from the bank accounts of the persons under investigation was requested and allowed in court.

When executing court orders, in addition to a notebook and documents, three mobile phones were seized. The objects will be transferred to the Scientific Police, which will conduct an examination for further analysis of the information by the investigation team.

The operation was called “Cashback” in connection with the term that the defendants used to refer to the improper material advantages they received by embezzling public funds. The investigation is still ongoing, and there is a possibility that new people are involved in the criminal scheme.