Businessmen suspected of rigging bids are indicted in Minas Gerais

Three businessmen who competed in a bid promoted by the City of São Sebastião do Paraíso, in the south of Minas Gerais, were indicted by the Civil Police (PCMG), after the conclusion of an investigation that found the attempted fraud in the auction.

The events occurred on October 26, 2023, when competitors in the bidding process were summoned to present their bids at city hall. The event aimed to acquire furniture for the municipality of São Sebastião do Paraíso.

During the session, the municipal public servant responsible for the auction was informed by one of the competitors that some bidders were combining the prices to be offered as a bid. An audio containing the conversation between the suspects was recorded by the businessman.

Municipal employees verified signs of fraud, called the police to record the incident and suspended the bidding process immediately. PCMG then opened a police investigation to investigate the case.

According to delegate Rafael Gomes, the audio of the recording in which two bidders adjust the prices they intended to offer for each product in the bidding was seized.

Also according to the delegate, one of the suspects also seized a list of products that would be purchased by the municipality, with handwritten notes indicating which company should win in relation to the respective item.

After analyzing the audio and seized documents, as well as taking statements from witnesses and suspects, three businessmen, aged between 27, 32 and 40, were indicted for the crime of attempting to frustrate the competitive nature of bidding, for which the penalty could be as high as to eight years in prison.

The police investigation was referred to the Court.