VRSA: former employee denies corruption in trial

Four defendants testified in the trial involving former Vila Real de Santo António mayor Conceição Cabrita, accused of corruption and related crimes. João Faustino, a former municipal employee, denied any wrongdoing regarding a land sale to Saint Germain for a real estate project, which allegedly involved corrupt practices. The prosecution claims the deal included favorable terms for the buyers in exchange for €300,000. Cabrita admitted to receiving €10,000 monthly from businessman Paulo Calvinho, claiming it was for helping the needy. The investigation, which began in 2021, revealed multiple charges against Cabrita and others, including corruption and document forgery, with evidence gathered through extensive searches and witness testimonies.