Pará, Brazil probes supermarket cash fraud and hospital food contract irregularities

Police in Belém, Pará, are investigating two supermarket employees suspected of a scheme that recorded purchases worth roughly R$1.3 million as only R$48, allegedly manipulating checkout registers to benefit their partners. The inquiry could lead to charges of theft by fraud and criminal association.

In Ananindeua, also in Pará, former mayor Daniel Santos faces a probe by the state public prosecutor and the municipal audit court over a R$5 million contract awarded to Vero‑Chopp Choperia for supplying meals and coffee breaks to municipal health facilities. Investigators allege irregularities in the bidding process, possible overpricing—meals at R$20 each—and question the company’s capacity to fulfill the large order, with more than R$1.2 million already paid.

Both investigations highlight alleged corruption and procurement abuses within public institutions in the state of Pará.