Health union FUS denounces ex-leaders Bermúdez and Dos Santos for fraud and improper appropriation

The Uruguayan Health Federation (FUS) has initiated a criminal complaint against two former high-ranking officials, Jorge Bermúdez and Héctor Dos Santos. Bermúdez, who served as the union's general secretary for 26 years, and Dos Santos, the former finance secretary, are accused of fraud and improper appropriation of union funds.

The complaint follows an internal audit that uncovered significant financial irregularities and questionable "maneuvers" involving union money. According to FUS lawyer Diego Camaño, these included the "withdrawal of union funds for personal expenses" and the use of union money to pay for Bermúdez's personal credit card.

Bermúdez and Dos Santos were expelled from the FUS in October of the previous year amid protests from members. This action was taken shortly after the initial results of the FUS audit, conducted between May 2024 and July 2025, revealed a deficit of $2,691,473 in expense receipts and $741,421 in un-justified travel expenses for Bermúdez during the same period.

Marcos Franco, the current general secretary of FUS, expressed sadness over the situation, emphasizing the need for careful management of union funds, which are derived from workers' contributions. He stated that the union decided to file a criminal complaint with the prosecutor's office based on the preliminary audit findings. Bermúdez, when contacted, stated that he would reserve his full response until he is formally summoned by the justice system.