A recent investigation by Maka Angola has uncovered a web of transactions between Angola's Administration Geral Tributária (AGT) and Portuguese companies owned by Carla Marisa Castelo Trindade Martins and Mário João Zimas Trindade Martins. The companies, In Pressionante Unipessoal and In Pressionante 2Win, were granted a contract to provide services to AGT, despite being linked to a high-ranking official with ties to the Martins' couple. José Vieira Nuno Leiria, the current Secretary of State for Tax Affairs, had previously been a student of Carla Martins.
The investigation found that the Martins' couple had established In Pressionante Kianda, an Angolan company, with 70% ownership, despite not depositing the required capital. The couple's companies had also provided services to AGT, including organizing events and supplying materials. Carla Martins had also been appointed as a consultant to AGT, earning over 551 million kwanzas in just a year and a half. Her role involves instructing processes of tax crimes, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
On April 19, 2023, Carla Martins had exchanged messages with José Leiria, discussing the presentation of the Martins' companies to AGT. Leiria had expressed interest in the presentation, but noted the need to highlight the Angolan subsidiary. Carla had assured him that she would clarify everything in an upcoming meeting. At the time, In Pressionante Kianda had not yet been established.
The investigation also uncovered a contract between In Pressionante Unipessoal and In Pressionante Kianda, worth 542,400 euros. The contract involved providing services for the production and realization of events, including supplying materials. Mário Martins had signed the contract on behalf of the Portuguese company, while Maria Filipa de Quadros, a Portuguese national, had signed on behalf of the Angolan company.
On May 28, 2023, Carla Martins had distributed tasks among a WhatsApp group, preparing for the first event. She had asked her husband to negotiate the purchase of an inflatable, cotton candy, and popcorn machines. The prices had been set at 1,600 euros for the inflatable, 400 euros for the popcorn machine, and 400 euros for the cotton candy machine.
In Pressionante Unipessoal had issued a 80,143-euro invoice to In Pressionante Kianda on June 11, 2023, for materials supplied. However, the invoice did not include the cotton candy and popcorn machines. The investigation also found that the account of In Pressionante Kianda had been opened on June 14, 2023, with Carla Martins remotely controlling the financial transactions.
The questionable dealings between AGT and the Martins' companies have raised concerns about corruption and nepotism. The investigation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in Angola's tax authority. Key points include:
Key points
- AGT engaged in questionable dealings with Portuguese companies linked to a high-ranking official.
- The Martins' companies were granted contracts despite lacking required capital.
- Carla Martins' role as consultant to AGT raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
