With the principal ‘suspect’ in this latest corruption probe remanded in custody, Operation Ether is purportedly casting its net to include the mayor of Viseu, a former secretary of state (PSD), as well as the Algarve.
Almeida Henriques has “vehemently” denied any involvement, describing himself as “stupified and indignant”.
But the investigation into what is being portrayed as a complex fiddle to secure public contracts worth “several millions of euros” appears to have thrown up some embarrassing details.
For example, Henriques has said that he has no direct or indirect business connections with businessman José Manuel Simões Agostinho, one of the five Ether ‘arguidos’. Sábado and Jornal de Notícias however have printed information suggesting the contrary, with Agostinho portrayed as the link between Melchior Moreira and councils that showed interest in setting up ‘interactive shops’.
Said JN, the shop deals were dependent on the use of specific companies (which is where the alleged ‘fiddle’ kicked in).
When new of Ether broke, it was portrayed as a scandal that affected only northern areas.
Now, JN claims Agostinho has business premises in Portimão as well.
When searches got underway last week, the Portimão site was included, says the paper.
As to mayors, Henriques is not the only one connected to this probe. Businesswoman Manuela Couto – one of the five originally arrested – is the wife of the mayor of Santo Tirso.
Couto and Agostinho have been been remanded on bail – while the ‘kingpin’ of the probe, president of Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal (TPNP) Melchior Moreira remains in preventive custody.
Two of Moreira’s staff – operational director Isabel Castro, and lawyer Gabriela Escobar – have been suspended from their jobs but are otherwise ‘free’.
natasha.donn@algarveresident.com
