PF executes warrants in operation investigating embezzlement of funds and slush funds in the 2024 elections in MA Disclosure/PF This Wednesday (10), the Federal Police launched the Hidden Fund operation to dismantle two groups suspected of embezzling public resources and illegally financing electoral campaigns in the 2024 elections in Maranhão. By order of the Regional Electoral Court of Maranhão (TRE-MA), 25 search and seizure warrants were executed. The Court also authorized the breaking of banking and tax secrecy of those being investigated, the removal of a public servant and the freezing of assets worth R$4 million. 📲 Click here and subscribe to the g1 Maranhão channel on WhatsApp To date, 15 candidates have been identified as direct beneficiaries of the scheme or cited in illegal transfer negotiations. Now on g1 Investigation points to the use of companies to divert resources According to the investigation, the scheme used companies with contracts with Maranhão city halls to divert public money. After arriving in the accounts of these companies, the amounts were quickly withdrawn in cash. The groups had the help of a bank employee in São Luís. The investigation shows that financial movements increased in the weeks before the elections. During this period, suspicious transactions reached almost R$10 million. In just one of the groups investigated, around R$2 million was transferred for illegal transfers. Investigations indicate that the scheme also used money laundering techniques. The money was withdrawn from the companies' accounts and transferred to orange accounts. The police found "slush fund" spreadsheets and files with details on the delivery of funds and monitoring of the police presence near the bank. According to the PF, the amounts were distributed between servers. Those investigated may be held liable for crimes such as electoral fraud, money laundering, criminal organization, active and passive corruption and embezzlement of public resources.