PJ searches for Luís Bernardo on suspicion of corruption and there are mayors involved
PJ is carrying out searches of the business universe of communications consultant Luís Bernardo. The information was provided by CNN Portugal and confirmed by Expresso.
Luís Bernardo was advisor to former prime minister José Sócrates and led Benfica’s communications department. But there are other communications consultants targeted in the investigation, according to Expresso. Among them is João Tocha, who organized electoral campaigns with several political parties.
Luís Bernardo’s WLP companies are being investigated; First Five Consulting by friend João Tocha; Remarkable, owned by a partner of João Tocha; and the Sentinelcriterion of a nephew of LuÃs Bernardo. Information that had been advanced by CNN Portugal and confirmed by Expresso.
Until now, Luís Bernardo and João Tocha have been uncontactable.
Expresso has since learned that there are also mayors under suspicion in the case for abuse of power. In question, business in electoral campaigns with Luís Bernardo and João Tocha.
There are 34 search and seizure warrants, 10 home searches and 13 non-home searches in public bodies, and 11 non-home searches in companies, in Lisbon, Oeiras, Mafra, Amadora, Alcà Cer do Sal, Seixal, Ourique, Portalegre, Sintra and Sesimbra.
Within the scope of the investigation led by the DCIAP, facts that could frame the practice of crimes of passive corruption, active corruption, malfeasance, economic participation in business, abuse of powers (political office holders) and abuse of power (general regime).
At stake are strong suspicions of favoring companies in the communications, advertising, digital marketing and political marketing sectors, on the part of various public entities.
The steps taken aim, according to the PJ, to “consolidate the indication that, the companies referenced by the investigation, have been contracts awarded, by direct award or prior consultation, in clear violation of the rules applicable to public contractingnamely, the principles of competition and the pursuit of the public interest, causing great damage to the public treasury”.
Around 150 members of the Judiciary Police, inspectors and experts from the Financial and Accounting Expertise Unit and the Technological and IT Expertise Unit of the PJ participated in the operation, in addition to 8 magistrates from the Ministry Public, at DCIAP.
