Three Former Sunca Leaders Granted Early Release in Fosvoc Embezzlement Case

A Uruguayan court has granted early release to three former leaders of the National Union of Construction and Annexes (Sunca) who were convicted for their involvement in embezzling funds from the Construction Workers' Housing Fund (Fosvoc).

The individuals, identified as Bruno Bertolio, Santiago Bernaola, and Víctor Rivero, had previously accepted responsibility for their actions through an abbreviated agreement. They were subsequently convicted on charges including undue appropriation, fraud, criminal association, and aiding in money laundering.

According to judicial resolutions, the court determined that the three men had demonstrated progress within the penitentiary system, leading to the approval of their request for early release. This decision followed a review of documentation submitted by the National Rehabilitation Institute (INR) and a non-opposition stance from the Prosecutor's Office for Economic Crimes.

The early release does not signify a complete detachment from the judicial system. The former union leaders will continue to be monitored under conditions set by the court for the remainder of their sentences. A key factor in granting this benefit was a favorable report from the INR, which assesses criteria such as conduct, disciplinary record, participation in work or educational activities, rehabilitation progress, and conditions for successful reintegration.

The investigation revealed that these former union officials were involved in maneuvers that resulted in a significant shortfall, estimated at nearly US$1 million, in the Fosvoc fund. This fund was established to help construction workers access housing. Rivero and Bernaola received sentences of two years and one month, while Bertolio was sentenced to two years and three months. All three had been expelled from Sunca prior to their convictions, with the union stating they had "betrayed the trust" placed in them. The case originated from a complaint filed by Sunca and the Chamber of Construction, prompting a criminal investigation into the misappropriation of funds.