2023-10-02 09:53:00
The Córdoba Justice Department has discovered an alleged illicit association that was dedicated to selling firefighter qualification certificates. In other words, everything indicates that they were profiting from something as sensitive as citizen security.
The authorization certificate issued by the Fire Department of the Córdoba Police is vital for municipalities to authorize commercial premises and other types of establishments. Firefighters analyze the risks of fire and their possibilities of acting in that event. Therefore, the certificate ensures that the place can receive the public. But if the inspection is not carried out and the certificate is issued in exchange for an amount of money, we are facing a serious case of corruption that puts people’s safety at risk.
So far, there are seven arrested and charged: three members of the Fire Department, a police officer and three engineers specialized in hygiene and safety on construction sites.
However, the cause is just beginning and no one knows how far it can go. Not only are possible responsibilities of more firefighters and police officers analyzed, but also of municipal officials. In addition, it is appropriate that the individuals who paid to obtain the certifications be investigated.
The judicial investigation has already proven the falsity of the documentation in some 30 authorizations. These are supermarkets, car dealerships, offices and even a sports complex, located in the cities of Córdoba, Villa Carlos Paz, Monte Cristo and Arroyito. Depending on the characteristics and dimensions of the premises, and according to the investigation, individuals paid between 200 thousand and 500 thousand pesos.
Of course, individuals did not receive an invoice for the “service.” No one might claim, then, that it seemed completely legal for a State agency to be managed in that way. Everyone had to be aware that they were immersed in a circuit of corruption. At some point, Justice should sanction not only the corrupt official who collects, but also the citizen who pays instead of denouncing the illegal maneuver.
By the way, the judicial proceedings began approximately a year ago because a firefighter appeared at the Prosecutor’s Office and reported having found his signature on a clearance certificate even though he had not participated in the procedure.
The number of fake certificates might grow exponentially as the investigation progresses. We might be talking regarding hundreds or thousands of irregular authorizations.
At the same time, the statements of the detainees might allow us to expand the object of the investigation and even illuminate an organizational chart of the alleged illicit association to determine more accurately the role of each of its members.
In any case, it is urgent to clear up the mystery regarding the possible participation of municipal officials. Let us keep in mind that the Municipality of Córdoba has asked to be considered a plaintiff; If accepted, you will have access to news regarding the case. If there were officials involved, knowledge of the file might help them evade judicial action.
The municipal State does not need to know exactly how this gang operated to improve the control of authorizations and prevent a similar scandal from being repeated in the future.
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