Rio de Janeiro govt dismisses 30 officials at Institute Rio Metropole

The Rio de Janeiro state government removed 30 commission‑appointed officials from the Institute Rio Metropole (IRM) on 22 April. Two new appointees filled vacancies left by directors who had been arrested, and two other directors were replaced.

The action follows a Ministry of Public (MP) operation on 9 April that uncovered alleged diversion of more than R$ 80 million. The MP charged 11 people with organized crime, passive corruption, procurement fraud and money‑laundering. A joint task force of IRM and the State Comptroller’s Office (CGE) will audit ongoing contracts for 30 days and has suspended payments until the review is completed.

Prosecutor‑General Antonio José Campos Moreira said the investigation reveals a “institutional environment geared toward corruption,” suggesting a link to the state’s long‑standing financial difficulties.