Today, about 60 Federal Police officers executed 13 search and seizure orders in Tocantins. In partnership with the Comptroller General of the Confederation (CGU), Operação Babilônia is investigating bid fraud and over-pricing of an engineering firm’s appointment to the state health department.
According to the Federal Police, the damage to state public treasuries can reach R$46 million. Search and forfeiture warrants were issued by the 4th Federal Court of the Judicial Department of Tocantins.
The name of the operation was chosen as a reference to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, because one of the shady contracts covers gardening services. The investigation was launched on the basis of suspected irregularities found by the monetary unit after examining contracts executed since 2020.
The Federal Police did not communicate the objectives of the operation. Fraud and embezzlement can result in up to 16 years in prison and a fine.
In a memo, the state health department said the order was available for monitoring agencies to cooperate with investigations. According to the agency, “the current administration values the interest of the public treasury and ensures the good health of the residents of Tocantins.”
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