Three members of the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters (AHBVBPF) of Beato e Penha de França, in Lisbon, were arrested this Wednesday, December 3, by the PJ on suspicion of embezzlement of funds belonging to that organization and misuse of a service vehicle for personal benefit.
The suspects – which include the Commander, Vice-President, Treasurer and a member of the fire department – are accused of embezzlement, abuse of power and embezzlement.
According to a note from the Judiciary Police, as part of the “Aftermath” operation, facts related to “the diversion of funds transferred and/or deposited into the bank accounts of a restricted group of members of that corporation are being investigated, and the misuse of a service vehicle is also being investigated for purposes contrary to those intended and for the benefit of the commander of the Humanitarian Association and members of his household”.
Three home search warrants and one non-domestic search warrant were executed, resulting in the constitution of four defendants and the arrest of the three suspects who will be presented to the judicial authorities on Thursday, 4th, with a view to applying coercive measures.
“It is suspected that the way of working practiced involved the exercise of banking transactions originating in the account of the Humanitarian Association and whose destination was the accounts held by them, through transfers and, also, direct deposits over the counter, under the alleged pretext of reimbursement of expenses and payment of allowances for themselves or third parties, also members of the corporation”, says the PJ.
These steps follow a previous one, in which two search warrants were carried out, “Despite the carrying out of the first steps to collect evidence”, those targeted “perpetuated the criminal activity within the scope of carrying out their respective functions”, explains the PJ, adding that the investigations continue.