Bauru officials and CEO detained in R$ 5.2 billion fraud probe

Prosecutors in the ‘Operação Cavalo de Troia’ investigation have uncovered WhatsApp dialogues suggesting a conspiracy to commit a R$ 5.2 billion environmental bidding fraud in Bauru, São Paulo. The messages involve former municipal officials and a private sector executive discussing methods to secure a 30-year contract for solid waste collection and sanitation.

A judge has ordered the preventive detention of six individuals, including Cilene Chabuh Bordezan, the former head of the Bauru Environment Secretariat, and Hamilton Libório Agle, CEO of Estre Ambiental. The court cited risks to witness integrity and the potential destruction of digital evidence as reasons for the detention.

The fraud attempt was halted after the State Court of Auditors suspended the bidding process. While the involved officials have been exonerated by the Mayor of Bauru, the municipal administration stated it is cooperating fully with the Public Ministry's investigation.