Pubdate: Tue, 19 Dec 2000
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Copyright: 2000 News World Communications, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.washtimes.com/
Author: Veronica Goyzueta, Tiempos Del Mundo

HIGH OFFICIALS ACCUSED IN BRAZILIAN CRIME RING

SAO PAULO, Brazil - The Congress is accusing judges, lawmakers, Paraguayan 
Gen. Lino Oviedo and 826 other persons of drug trafficking and involvement 
in organized crime.

After a 20-month investigation, the Parliamentary Commission for 
Investigations (CPI), a branch of Brazil's Congress, concluded that federal 
and state representatives, six judges, ex-governors, mayors, military and 
civilian police officers, and businessmen from 17 of Brazil's 26 states 
were part of crime organizations.

All are accused of being involved in homicides, money laundering, 
corruption, tax evasion and perjury.

One of the investigation's surprising revelations is the suspected 
involvement of Gen. Oviedo, who is accused of participation in 
international drug trafficking, illegal arms trade and money laundering. 
Gen. Oviedo is in custody in Brazil awaiting extradition to Paraguay, where 
he is wanted for the March 1999 assassination of Vice President Luis Maria 
Argana.

Other international suspects being investigated are Suriname's former 
President Desi Bourtese and his son Dino, who is a diplomat in Brazil's 
capital, Brasilia.

The CPI also accused Bolivian Col. Raul Mendes of leading the armed branch 
of a crime organization headed by former Brazilian Rep. Hildebrando 
Pascoal, who is in jail for participating in organized crime in the state 
of Acre.

Directors of six financial institutions and telephone companies were 
accused of not collaborating with investigators and refusing to disclose 
the passwords to bank accounts of suspected criminals.

"CPI's job is to ensure the dismantling of organized crime is initiated," 
said Rep. Moroni Torgan, author of the final CPI document in which he 
suggested the creation of a Special Prosecution Commission, much like 
"Operation Clean Hands" which fought the Italian Mafia in the 1980s.

The CPI revealed that small clandestine airports were run by 
narco-traffickers throughout the state of Sao Paulo. It said Sao Paulo was 
the main route for support, distribution and consumption of drugs in the 
country.

"For whatever part of the country or the world, the trafficker has 
highways, airports and seaports," the CPI said.

The report said cocaine is purchased in Bolivia and Colombia at prices 
ranging from $250 to $400 per pound and sold back in Sao Paulo at $1,600 
per pound.

The drug money was being reinvested in automobile companies, real estate 
and other legitimate businesses, the report said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D