UFOP student is suspected of embezzling R$ 500,000 from republic and placing bets online

UFOP student is suspected of embezzling R$ 500,000 from republic and placing bets online | Minas Gerais

1 of 1 República Partenon, in Ouro Preto — Photo: República Partenon/ Disclosure

República Partenon, in Ouro Preto — Photo: República Partenon/ Disclosure

The Civil Police of Minas Gerais is investigating the diversion of about BRL 500 thousand in a student dormitory in Ouro Preto, in the Central Region of the state. The suspect, a 25-year-old student enrolled in the Economic Sciences course at the Federal University of Ouro Preto (Ufop), held the position of treasurer of the República Partenon Association.

According to residents of the republic, the student had lived in the place for six years. As he was one of the oldest residents of the republic, he was selected to manage the association’s bank account in December 2021.

According to residents’ reports, on March 2, a lawyer representing the suspect scheduled a meeting.

At the meeting, he said that the student identified a hole in BRL 17 thousand in the accounts of the republic. Like this, to recover this amount, he would have made investments in variable income and online gambling, but he was unable to recover the money.

Also according to the students, transfers began to intensify with the arrival of Carnival. Students who live locally organize parties at the time, and the suspect took advantage of the moment to withdraw the money from the account.

The amount that would have been diverted was being saved by students for the purchase of their own property. Currently, the private republic pays rent.

Money began to be raised more than 20 years ago – since the republic was founded. With the value in cash, Parthenon residents even signed a property purchase and sale agreement.

In a statement, the suspect’s defense told the g1 that he “is under medical treatment, but at the complete disposal of the authorities and members of the association to clarify the situation and demonstrate the truth about the facts, as already passed on in past opportunities”.

When asked if the student made transfers of values for betting and investments in variable income, the defense stated that it will “manifest itself in the opportune moment”.