According to a statement by PGR Benguela, the 11 machines in question (bulldozers, excavators, backhoe loaders, trucks, etc.) were seized for allegedly "constituting proceeds of crime" in an investigation for alleged crimes of embezzlement, abuse of trust, criminal association, economic participation in business and abuse of power.
The PGR mentions that, despite the fact that the procedural instruction is in progress, "in the case of heavy machines, whose continuous use allows them to remain in full operation and prevent deterioration", the seized means were handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
A judicial source stated that the means in question were made available for the provincial governments to sign contracts with private companies for the transfer of the machines for earthmoving work, opening new roads, etc.
The machines were to be paid to the State within seven years, but in Benguela, where they were sent in 2018, they were handed over to a company without any contract having been signed, and a lawsuit was opened following a complaint this year.
