Final allegations of Operation Babel in November and December

The final allegations of Operation Babel , related to the alleged corruption and violation of norms and instructions for urban licensing processes in Vila Nova de Gaia , were scheduled this Thursday for seven sessions between November and December.

The final arguments of the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP) and assistants are scheduled for November 27 , followed by those of the defense on December 2, 3, 4, 5, 11 and 12.

Operation Babel, related to the alleged falsification and violation of norms and instructions of urban licensing processes in Gaia, has 16 defendants , including the former vice-president of the Gaia City Council, Patrocínio Azevedo, and real estate businessmen, Paulo Malafaia and Elad Dror, accused of dozens of economic crimes such as corruption and influence peddling.

The MP claims that Elad Dror, founder of the Fortera group, and Paulo Malafaia “agreed between themselves to develop real estate projects in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, namely the so-called Skyline/Cultural and Congress Center, Riverside and Hotel Azul”, counting on alleged favoritism from the former vice-president of Gaia, who would receive money and material goods, such as watches, in exchange.

Patrocínio Azevedo, who spent approximately 23 months in pre-trial detention, was released in April, subject to periodic presentations to the authorities three times a week and prohibited from contacting the other defendants.