António Seron (PSD), mayor of Lagesh, resumed his executive office after being released this Thursday (20). The arrest came as part of Operation Messenger as he is suspected of being involved in a bid scam scheme.

He was greeted by friends, family and government officials in the largest city of Serra de Santa Catarina. See below the speech he made in response:

The mayor gave a speech in connection with the Day of a friend, celebrated this very Thursday – Video: NDTV / Disclosure / ND

The agent gave a speech on the importance of friendship and family on the occasion of his release day, which is also Friend’s Day. “There are two things that we should appreciate more and more: the first is family, and the second is friends,” he said.

“If the burden is heavy, I am sure that God will load you to the limit of your capabilities,” Seron argued. He was greeted with excitement by friends and family at Lages City Hall.

Lawyer Andre Nogueira said no data+ who receives a decision made by the 5th Criminal Chamber of the TAJ “in the spirit of justice”. “We reiterate the commitment of Mayor Seron to continue to cooperate fully with the judiciary in the search for the real truth about the facts and his unqualified innocence,” he stressed.

In a note, the Mayor’s Office of Lages announced that it would comply with the court decision. The city council said they are waiting for a trial. An impeachment request against Seron is due after the legislative recess.

Messenger Operation

Ceron is featured in an investigation into a bribe scheme paid by the Serrana company to state agents in Lajes, part of a corruption scheme in the garbage collection service. An employee of the company, referred to in the investigation as the “Messenger”, was responsible for delivering bribes to the mayors.

This week on Monday (17) and Tuesday (18) hearings were held in the Lagesh district, at which defense witnesses and defendants were heard. State agents accused of accepting bribes testified, as did the owner and employees of Serrana Engenharia, now Versa, who detailed how the scheme worked through award-winning revelations.

According to the owner of Serrana, the amount of bribes given to state agents reached approximately 1.9 million reais.

During the hearing, Eroni Delfes Rodríguez, former secretary of the State Environmental Protection Service, confirmed that he received 70,000 reais from the former Serrana, but denied that the amount was a bribe, but “aid” to finance a political campaign.

“The allegations are partly true,” said the former government agent, who was released on Thursday.