Bahia Prosecutor Launches Second Phase of Operation Parasita to Probe Health Fund Diversion

The Public Ministry of the State of Bahia (MPBA), through its Special Criminal Organizations Combat Unit (Gaeco Sul), initiated the second phase of "Operation Parasita" on 7 July. Investigators served a search and seizure warrant in the city of Eunápolis, continuing a probe into alleged misappropriation of public resources earmarked for municipal health services.

The operation follows a first phase that resulted in the execution of previous warrants and the temporary detention of a key suspect. The court also extended the suspect’s temporary imprisonment to allow further investigative steps. Authorities aim to gather additional evidence, identify any other participants in the scheme, and safeguard public assets.

The inquiry focuses on possible schemes of fraud, administrative irregularities and the illicit diversion of health‑care funds, with seized material now being examined by Gaeco teams to clarify the dynamics of the case and support subsequent legal actions.