Procedure in Brazil

Allegations

Investigations by the Federal Public Ministry and the Federal Police on the activities of 4  officials of the 'Secretary of Finances of Rio de Janeiro' and 4 tax inspectors of the 'Federal Bureau of Incomes' uncovered incidents of extortion, tax evasion, money laundering, and illegal money transfer to foreign jurisdictions. The 8 officers allegedly deposited US$ 33 million in personal accounts in the Discount Bank and Trust Company in Switzerland. Further investigations revealed that 17 more officials, bringing the total to 24, were involved. Among the names mentioned was that of Rodrigo Silveirinha Corrêa.

The allegations involved irregularities in the inspection of companies and in the application of fines for noncompliance of tax requirements. Companies allegedly involved were 'Passabra Câmbio e Turismo' and 'Coplac Consultoria e Planejamento',  the last being the representative of the Discount Bank in Rio de Janeiro. As investigations progressed,  two managers of private companies (Alexandre Silva Martins and Reinaldo Menezes Pitta) were arrested for faciliating the laundering of money and also tax evasion through their companies. Also arrested was Herry Rosemberg and Ronaldo Adler, partners of the company 'Coplac' and the secretary of the company Marlene Rozen. 1

Testimony

Primarily all state officers denied having operated bank accounts in Swiss Banks. The testimony of Valéria dos Santos, former wife of Carlos Eduardo Pereira Ramos who was accused of having US$ 19,4 million in a Swiss Bank, gave implicating testimony. She reported having travelled with her former husband to Switzerland in 1997 where he had a bank account. She also mentioned that her former husband used the account to receive bribes.  On the basis of this  testimony the eight tax inspectors were sent to jail.