Maranhão audit court disapproves Bacuri municipal accounts

The Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Maranhão (TCE‑MA) rejected the 2024 municipal accounts of Bacuri, highlighting serious irregularities in the use of public funds. The audit focused on a potential shortfall of more than R$ 77 million in the Fundeb education fund during the administration of former mayor Washington Luís de Oliveira.

The court classified the case as a "Tomada de Contas Especial," a stricter special audit aimed at identifying responsible parties, quantifying losses and possibly referring matters to the Public Prosecutor's Office. Consequences could include fines, restitution to the treasury and a ban on holding public office for the former mayor.