‘I’m the most interested party’, says former secretary about investigation into the purchase of coats in SC

After the “Post Factum” operation, which investigates the purchase of coats for inmates, carrying out search and seizure warrants in Mafra, the criminal police officer and former secretary of SAP (Prison and Socio-Educational Administration) of Santa Catarina, Edenilson Schelbauer, took a stand .

‘I’m the one most interested’, says former secretary about the investigation into the purchase of warm clothing in SC – Photo: Decor/Disclosure/ND

“I want to congratulate this phase, of search and seizure. This is the necessary practice for elucidation and the final trigger of the report. I’m the one most interested, too, so that I can always ensure that the right thing is done. Those who shouldn’t, don’t fear,” he said.

Entitled “Post Factum”, the operation launched this Wednesday (24) is part of an investigation into exemption from bidding for the purchase of coats for inmates in the Santa Catarina prison systemwith an estimated cost of R$5 million.

The warrants were served in Mafra, where a server and a businessman live, and investigators observed a friendly and supportive relationship in the acquisition process.

Considered fraudulent, the purchase of coats occurred in mid-2023 at SAP. At the time, Schelbauer held the portfolio. Currently, he is Regional Superintendent of Planalto Norte.

“I am not aware of who were the people involved in this search and seizure, but it concerns the outcome of the forwarding of an investigation that was opened, suggested by us, on July 10, 2023 to the State Comptroller General, Court of Accounts, Public Ministry and their forces, to seek the regularity and processing of a bidding process, with exemption, given the urgency, according to the technical criteria of SAP management and directors”, he explained.

According to Schelbauer, the process had already taken place in previous years. “Although the secretariat was saving more than R$5 million, taking the production of these uniforms to the private sector, we still received some information that deserved a general review, mainly by the control bodies, so that it could be shown whether there was any type of targeting involving employees of our Prison Administration Secretariat at the time”, said the former secretary.

Fraudulent contract, says police

The investigation, coordinated by 1st Decor (Specialized Police Station for Combating Corruption), highlighted that the CGE (Comptroller General of the State of Santa Catarina) had already identified privileged treatment for a company still in the listings.

“This fact led to the unilateral termination of the contract, removal of the employee responsible for hiring and reporting to the Civil Police”, highlighted the investigation.

After opening the investigation, the police verified that, in addition to the unequal treatment given to the company, there was a friendly relationship between the then civil servant and the businessman, both currently residing in the city of Mafra and targets of the operation.

The investigators also found that the delivery of the coats would be in installments and the entirety would only be delivered at the end of winter, mischaracterizing the urgency alleged in the dismissal process, which is why the crime of illegal direct hiring is also being investigated.

Purchase process was cancelled, says SAP

When contacted by the report, the current management of SAP reported that it is aware of the operation and collaborates with the Civil Police to resolve the case.

“The fact investigated in question demonstrates the concern and efficiency of the State Government in managing public resources. Concern about the process was raised by a government body, the State Comptroller General, and all necessary measures were immediately taken to avoid damage to public property, as well as forwarding the investigation request to the police forces”, explained in a note.

Due to the fragility identified in the bidding process as pointed out by the CGE, SAP decided to cancel it, in accordance with the law, in 2023.

The Secretariat also highlighted that the department’s Internal Affairs Department is conducting a thorough investigation of the facts reported, aiming to determine possible administrative responsibility of those involved.

*With information from the JMais Portal