Mayor of São Bernardo is removed from office after PF operation

The mayor of São Bernardo do Campo, Marcelo Lima (Podemos), was removed from office on Thursday morning (8/14). He is suspected of participating in a corruption scheme involving the Public Works and Health departments of the municipality in ABC region of São Paulo and will be monitored through an electronic ankle bracelet. Investigations began last month, following the seizure of $14 million in cash, including real and US dollar bills, in the possession of a public servant suspected of being part of a criminal organization. The Federal Police is carrying out two warrants for preventive arrest this Thursday morning, in addition to 20 search and seizure warrants and measures to lift bank and tax secrecy, in the cities of São Paulo, São Bernardo do Campo, Santo André, Mauá, and Diadema, all in the state of São Paulo. Among the locations where the warrants are being carried out are the homes of partners of an earthmoving company, a pharmaceutical company, an import and export company, and the residence of a municipal employee. The precautionary measures, issued by the São Paulo State Court of Justice, also include the removal from public office and electronic monitoring. The individuals under investigation will be held accountable, according to their actions, for crimes such as criminal organization, money laundering, passive corruption, and active corruption. Metrópoles has requested a statement from the São Bernardo do Campo City Hall and is awaiting a response.