The Public Prosecutor's Office has charged a former parish council president in Madeira and three other executive members with offences linked to the alleged misuse of public funds. The alleged spending includes excursions, meals, travel and accommodation.
According to the Prosecutor's Office, the alleged offences were committed between 2017 and 2021, covering the 2013–2017 and 2017–2021 terms. The former president faces nine counts of embezzlement by a political office holder, allegedly committed jointly with another executive member who has since died, and a further 19 counts allegedly committed individually. All four defendants also face a joint count of the same offence.
The investigation also examined the alleged use of parish funds for other expenses, including a worker's recruitment, social assistance, parish celebrations, support for an association and the alleged diversion of computer equipment. A civil compensation claim has been lodged on behalf of the parish. The allegations have not yet been decided by a court, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
