The Brazilian Penal Code defines an official or civil servant as follows: "Article 327 - It is official or civil servant, for criminal purposes, those who, although temporarily or without pay, holds a position, employment or public usefulness. § 1 - Equivalent to a public official who holds a position, job or function in parastatal entity, and who works for the company providing the service or the private contractor for the execution of activity typical of Public Administration. "