The Maranhão Public Ministry (MP-MA) launched a new phase of Operation MAAT on Friday, targeting an alleged scheme to divert public funds from the city hall of Godofredo Viana, a municipality located approximately 600 kilometers from the state capital, São Luís.
The coordinated action resulted in the arrest of five individuals, with one suspect currently evading authorities. Among those detained is Marcelo Jorge Torres, the former mayor of Godofredo Viana. This is not his first encounter with the law; in September 2025, he was investigated and arrested for his alleged involvement in diverting funds designated for the municipality's school meal program.
According to the MP-MA, investigators in this phase identified five companies that were allegedly used to move the diverted money. The investigation suggests that a portion of the funds was transferred directly from the city hall's accounts to two of the individuals under investigation.
Justice Prosecutor Márcio Antônio confirmed that the operation secured a judicial freeze on the assets of those involved, valued at approximately R$2 million. He provided a stark example of the alleged fraud, stating that one of the companies involved had a very modest facade despite receiving R$250,000 at the time. Adjusted for current values, the financial damage to the public coffers is estimated to be close to R$1 million, in addition to the collective moral damages approaching R$2 million.
During the execution of the operation, authorities seized an undisclosed amount of cash, electronic devices, and vehicles. The Police Civil of Maranhão (PC-MA) provided support for the action.
The investigation is being coordinated by the Promotoria de Justiça of Cândido Mendes. The case highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to combat corruption and mismanagement of public resources at the municipal level in the state.
Based on reporting from g1.