Sweep Finds Wiretaps in Governor Ricardo Couto’s Office

According to the state government, the listening devices were found during a routine inspection carried out by the Institutional Security Office (GSI). The devices were reportedly discovered as part of a standard security sweep, and officials said the items appeared to be old and nonfunctional.

The government stated that the material was removed by agents after being identified. No further details were immediately provided about where the devices were found, how long they may have been in place, or whether they had ever been operational. The announcement suggests that the discovery was treated as a precautionary security matter rather than an active threat.

Authorities did not indicate at this stage that the devices were linked to any ongoing investigation or that they had been used for surveillance. The description provided by the state government emphasized that the equipment seemed outdated, which may reduce the likelihood of recent use, although officials did not release technical findings confirming that assessment.

Routine inspections of this kind are typically conducted to identify possible security risks, including unauthorized equipment or other irregularities in protected areas. In this case, the GSI reportedly carried out the inspection and then removed the items once they were located. The government’s account points to a response focused on containment and verification.

At the moment, the available information remains limited to the official statement. There is no indication in the reported account of arrests, identified suspects, or damage caused by the devices. Officials also have not said whether forensic analysis will be performed to determine the origin of the equipment or to confirm whether it was ever active.

The discovery highlights the role of routine preventive checks in government security operations. Even when objects appear to be obsolete or inactive, they are generally treated with caution until properly examined and removed. The state government’s statement suggests that process was followed here.

Further clarification from authorities would be needed to establish when the devices were installed, by whom, and for what purpose. For now, the government’s position is that the material was found during a standard inspection, appeared old and unusable, and was taken away by security personnel.

This remains the key official account available so far, with no additional operational details disclosed publicly.