Escola de Papel raids School-contract fraud probe

Oct 1

Vladimir Platonow reports the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police and Public Prosecutor's Office investigation of suspected steering, overbilling and diversion in state-school construction contracts potentially reaching R$1.6 billion. Former education secretary Roberta Barreto de Oliveira is among the targets. Nineteen search warrants were executed, and asset freezes up to R$20 million for each investigated person were requested, not reported as granted. Investigators allege that an emergency small-works procedure was used for large projects without bidding, bids were coordinated and supervision and construction were deficient. The report gives one company's R$12 million gain and R$10 million cash withdrawals. The reporter says defense lawyers had not responded to contact and connects poor services to school conditions and Rio's low Ideb position. Allegations and his assessment remain attributed; no conviction is reported.

Rio de Janeiro Civil Police and prosecutors executed nineteen search warrants in Operation Escola de Papel over suspected steering, overbilling and diversion in state-school construction contracts potentially totaling R$1.6 billion. Former education secretary Roberta Barreto de Oliveira is a target. Asset freezes up to R$20 million per investigated person were requested. TV Brasil reports alleged coordinated bids, large works routed through emergency procedures, deficient services and cash withdrawals, and says contacted defense lawyers had not responded. No conviction or granted freeze is established.