Tax Agents Suspected of Charging Bribery in São Paulo Negotiated at Least 143 Properties

10/20/2015 - 09h58

Eleven tax agents suspected of charging bribery from companies in the State of Sao Paulo have bought or sold at least 143 properties in their own names, totalling approximately US$ 16 million (R$ 62 million).

Some of the houses are located in prime neighbourhoods of the city of São Paulo, beach front apartments in Rio and farms in the Midwest.

At least half of negotiations occurred over the last 15 years and the properties' values have been updated according to housing market.

The eleven tax agents employed by the Secretariat of Finance of São Paulo are suspected of demanding kickbacks from businessmen in exchange of collecting less GST (Goods and Services Tax) and suspending tax penalties.

Tax agents earn about US$ 5,148 (R$ 20,000).

Last week, the court of São Paulo froze part of the real estate identified by the Prosecution which belongs to two of these tax agents: 27 properties in the name of José Roberto Fernandes and 11 owned by Eduardo Takeo Komaki.

Last August, 12 state tax agents have been indicted on suspicion of demanding money and criminal conspiracy. They are currently retired or have been removed from their duties.

Some were arrested, but they were released after paying a bail of US$ 90,000 (R$ 350,000).

Lawyers of the suspects claim that their clients' assets are compatible with their incomes and deny they have charged bribes.

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

Read the article in the original language

	Adriano Vizoni - 9.out.2015/Folhapress
	Eleven tax agents suspected of charging bribery have bought or sold at least 143 properties