Brazil Police Say They Have Corruption Evidence Related to Chamber President Maia

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – (Reuters)  Brazil’s Federal Police have found evidence of corruption and money laundering related to Chamber of Deputies President Rodrigo Maia, according to a police document seen by Reuters.

Federal Police sent a final probe report on Maia to Brazil’s Federal Supreme Court (STF), which is tasked with judging criminal charges against sitting government officials.

The evidence was found in the plea bargain deals of executives at construction conglomerate Odebrecht SA, the report said. Brazil’s federal prosecutors’ office will decide whether to present formal charges against Maia.

Congressman Maia’s office has denied any illegalities in relation to campaign contributions.

Investigations against Maia could impact the ability of President Jair Bolsonaro’s government to approve legislation in the lower house of Congress. Maia was one of the main supporters of the pension reform bill now under discussion in the Senate.

(Source: Reuters)