Lago Verde education funds investigation reveals R$ 2.8 million loss

The Maranhão State Court of Accounts (TCE-MA) has initiated a Special Account Inquiry (Tomada de Contas Especial) following an audit of the Fundeb education funds in the municipality of Lago Verde for the 2024 fiscal year.

The audit identified a potential loss of R$ 2,800,079.95. According to the report, funds from the 70% portion of Fundeb, which is legally reserved for basic education professionals, were allegedly used to pay commissioned officials and public agents whose duties are not linked to teaching.

This use of resources is cited as a violation of Article 26 of Federal Law No. 14,113/2020. The report names Alex Cruz Almeida and Maria Elizabeth Telino de Oliveira as responsible for authorizing and ordering the irregular expenses. Additionally, former General Controller Jorge Henrique de Figueredo Fernandes is cited for a failure to perform necessary internal oversight and control.