The Municipality of Hualpén has ordered the withholding of salary payments to local police judge Rodrigo Ferreira following allegations of fraudulent medical leave.
Local authorities took the action after the Comptroller General's Office (Contraloría) reported that Ferreira used medical leave to travel to foreign countries.
According to the municipal order, the funds being withheld correspond to the amounts collected by the judge while on leave. The municipality aims to recover the funds tied to the periods identified by the oversight body.
Investigation into medical leave misuse
The Comptroller General's Office provided the findings that triggered the municipal response. The audit concluded that the medical justifications provided by Ferreira did not align with his actual activities, specifically noting his presence outside the country during periods of supposed incapacity.
Under Chilean law, medical leave is intended for the recovery of health. Using these periods for leisure or travel constitutes a misuse of public funds and a breach of administrative duties.
The municipality's decision follows the administrative findings. Officials are now working to ensure the returned funds are properly accounted for in the local treasury.
Legal proceedings regarding the validity of the medical leave remain under scrutiny. The municipality continues to monitor the case as more details from the Comptroller's investigation emerge.
