Vila Real de Santo António Mayor, Conceicão Cabrita, was arrested by PJ criminal police this Tuesday morning on corruption charges linked to an “illegal property deal” in Monte Gordo, reports TVI.
The local council is said to have been “defrauded” when the property was reportedly sold below its market value, according to the television station.
Cabrita and another council worker, who was also detained, are said to have received “compensations” for the deal.
Two other council workers were also arrested on suspicion of active corruption for bribing the mayor, TVI reports.
PJ police is reportedly carrying out searches at VRSA town hall, at several company headquarters and at the houses of those involved, including the mayor’s.
Conceição Cabrita was elected as a councillor at VRSA council in 2005, having served as deputy mayor from 2013 to 2017 when she was elected mayor.
Updates to follow.
