Key Facts
—The operation. Federal Police launched Operation Emendatio on 9 July, executing two preventive-arrest warrants and twenty-one search warrants in the city of Rio de Janeiro.
—The freeze. The Supreme Federal Court authorised asset-blocking measures worth R$100 million ($19.9m). All warrants were issued by that court.
—The alleged scheme. Congressional earmarks routed to non-profit groups holding federal contracts were siphoned off through improper payments, front companies and intermediaries.
—The charges. Investigators cite embezzlement of public funds, money laundering and criminal organisation, with overbilling, bid-rigging and undelivered contracts also suspected.
