Two commanders of the Firefighters from Mirandela are being tried for crimes of embezzlement and document falsification. The defendants are suspected of having forged firefighting teams, creating fraudulent records to improperly receive public funding.
The trial is taking place at the Judicial Court of Mirandela, where documentary evidence was presented that allegedly demonstrates the falsification of personnel lists and duty rosters. The authorities investigated the case after alerts about irregularities in the human resources management of the fire brigade.
The commanders deny the accusations and defend the legality of the procedures adopted. The defense argues that the teams were organized according to operational needs and that there was no intention to deceive the funding entities.
This case arises in a context of increased scrutiny of public accounts in fire brigades in the Bragança district. The Public Prosecutor's Office requested the conviction of the defendants, while the municipal council of Mirandela joined the proceedings as a plaintiff to seek compensation for damages caused to public funds.
