Earlier on Tuesday (11), the PF (Federal Police) carried out an operation to execute 31 search and seizure warrants on addresses associated with Alagoas State Governor Paulo Dantas (MDB). During the action, the head of the executive branch was in Sao Paulo. There was no arrest warrant. The STJ (Supreme Court) decided to remove the then governor from office.

The incumbent governor’s defense blamed political persecution as an explanation for PF’s action – Photo: Alagoas Legislative Assembly/Disclosure/ND

The process is investigating the “systematic” diversions of public resources that have occurred since 2019 in the Alagoa government and are being handled in secrecy from justice. According to the MPF (Federal Public Ministry), “those under investigation are not allowed to keep in touch with each other and visit public authorities involved in the investigation.” The precautionary measures include an order for the confiscation of goods and valuables worth 54 million reais. Dozens of objects were objects of arrest.”

In addition to search and seizure warrants, the court ordered the seizure of assets, removal from public service and other measures. Also, according to the MPF, crimes of a criminal organization, embezzlement and money laundering are being investigated.

Lawyer Bruno Zeferino, representing Paulo Dantas, said the defense has not yet had access to the contents of the investigation, but argues that the action was used for political purposes, since Dantas is a candidate for re-election and is fighting in the second round of the Alagoas government.

“The defense is not aware of the content, it came as a complete surprise. But it will surely clear up. Especially at this moment, speculation for political purposes is rising, ”said the lawyer.

Dantas took over the government of Alagoas in May of this year for a buffer term that ends in December, after indirect elections held with the participation of members of the Legislative Assembly. This is because then Governor Renan Filho (MDB) and Vice President Luciano Barbosa (MDB) resigned from their posts to run for election.

Information from the R7 portal.