The final arguments by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) and the assistants are scheduled for November 27, followed by the defenses on December 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, and 12.
The Babel Operation, concerning alleged manipulation and violation of norms and procedures in urban planning licensing in Gaia, involves 16 defendants, including the former deputy mayor of Gaia, Patrocínio Azevedo, and real estate businessmen Paulo Malafaia and Elad Dror, who are accused of numerous economic crimes such as corruption and influence peddling.
The MP claims that Elad Dror, founder of the Fortera Group, and Paulo Malafaia conspired to develop real estate projects in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, specifically the Skyline/Center for Culture and Congresses, Riverside, and Hotel Azul, allegedly benefiting from favoritism by the former Gaia deputy, who allegedly received money and material goods, such as watches, in return.
Patrocínio Azevedo, who spent approximately 23 months in pre-trial detention, was released in April under the condition of periodic reporting to authorities three times a week and was prohibited from contacting the other defendants.
