Former Angolan ambassador to Portugal Marcos Barrica and consul general Cecília Baptista testified on Tuesday, June 6, in a corruption case involving the embezzlement of over $15 million intended for the installation of Angola's Consulate General in Portugal. The case implicates former Foreign Minister Georges Chikoti and businessman Bartolomeu Dias. The hearing was part of the contradictory instruction phase, where the court heard from declarants regarding the payment of millions for the consulate.
During the hearing, Cecília Baptista confirmed receiving payment from Angola for the acquisition of a property to serve as the consulate. Marcos Barrica stated that he dissolved the contract after learning it had already been paid, as he had not signed any payment order. Barrica added that he should have been involved in the negotiations as the purpose was to acquire a property for the diplomatic representation.
The accusation claims that the property acquired by the Angolan state was later sold to a third party. The case involves charges of embezzlement against Georges Chikoti and fraud against Bartolomeu Dias, owner of the Bartolomeu Dias Group. The Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating the alleged crimes.
Georges Chikoti and Bartolomeu Dias have not yet been heard by the judge in this phase of the instruction, which is limited to collecting declarants' testimonies. The court will likely hear from the accused in subsequent phases. The case has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile individuals involved.
The Angolan judiciary is scrutinizing the transactions related to the acquisition of the property. Investigators aim to determine the extent of the alleged embezzlement and the roles played by those involved. The case may have implications for Angola's diplomatic and business communities.
The testimony of Marcos Barrica and Cecília Baptista may be crucial in establishing the facts of the case. Their statements could shed light on the decision-making process behind the property acquisition and the subsequent transactions. The court will consider their testimonies as part of the overall evidence.
The case is ongoing, with further hearings and investigations expected. The Angolan public is closely following the developments, and the outcome may have significant repercussions for those involved. The judiciary's handling of the case will be closely watched.
Key points
- Former Angolan ambassador Marcos Barrica and consul general Cecília Baptista testified in a corruption case involving ex-foreign minister Georges Chikoti and businessman Bartolomeu Dias.
- The case involves the embezzlement of over $15 million intended for the installation of Angola's Consulate General in Portugal.
- The accused, Georges Chikoti and Bartolomeu Dias, face charges of embezzlement and fraud, respectively.
