Andorra Investigates São Paulo Vice-Governor for Money Laundering

Andorran authorities are investigating Brazilian politician Felicio Ramuth, the vice-governor of São Paulo, over suspicions of money laundering linked to funds held in an Andbank account.

The account, reportedly co-owned by Ramuth and his wife, received money originating from a Panamanian company. Andorran prosecutors, prompted by an initial report from the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIFAnd), have accused the couple of aggravated money laundering. The funds are said to have passed through "ghost companies" with no traceable information, routed from countries including the United States and Luxembourg.

In 2023, the Batllia court froze $1.6 million in the account. The transactions allegedly occurred between 2009 and 2011, when Ramuth served as transport secretary for São José dos Campos—the main city in the Paraíba valley—after previously acting as its mayor.

The case gained attention following a report by the Brazilian outlet Metropoles, sparking significant controversy in Brazil. Ramuth, a member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), has a long political career. During his 2022 election campaign for vice-governor, he declared no assets held abroad.

Ramuth has denied wrongdoing, stating his legal team has documented all transactions. He claims the Panamanian company and Andorran funds belong to his wife, which is why he omitted them from his declaration. He insists he can prove the money's legitimate origin and dismisses the matter as a "mess" that will be resolved.

Last October, the couple travelled from Brazil to Andorra to give statements to judicial authorities.