Portugal’s tax office, finance ministry and immigration and border service (SEF) were all searched by PJ police officers this morning (April 29) as part of the latest string of investigations relating to the country’s Golden Visa corruption scandal.
The news was confirmed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PGR), which revealed it is investigating possible crimes of “corruption, traffic of influence, embezzlement and money laundering”.
The searches were conducted in “34 places throughout the country”, including the government offices as well as companies and private residences.
National media suggests Portugal’s tax office is being investigated for possible illegalities in the granting of golden visas to Libyan citizens, who allegedly came to Portugal to receive medical treatment.
Secretary of State for Fiscal Affairs Paulo Núncio has said he is “entirely available” to cooperate with police officers.
It is unclear whether or not the searches will lead to any more high-profile arrests, although 11 people linked to the scandal were already arrested in November, including the president of the Institute of Registries and Notaries António Figueiredo.
