The Polícia Judiciária (PJ) arrested 64 individuals across various regions of the country on Tuesday, September 16, on suspicions of being part of a transnational organized group involved in cybercrime, aggravated fraud, and money laundering through the ‘phishing’ operation, causing losses amounting to approximately 14 million euros.
The operation was coordinated by the PJ and Swedish police, with the participation of Europol and Eurojust, who traveled to and monitored the proceedings in Portugal.
Additionally, Swedish authorities conducted operations in their country.
In a statement sent to news outlets, the PJ explained that “the criminal scheme involved targeting victims, all of Swedish nationality, primarily over 65 years old, who were convinced through various schemes to provide access codes to their bank accounts, followed by unauthorized fund transfers to bank accounts in Portugal and other countries, and the subsequent dissipation of these funds.”
“Principal members of the criminal group” are Swedish
The “principal members of the criminal group, who operated and lived in Portugal, are of Swedish nationality.” They engaged in cyber fraud and recruited dozens of “money mules” who opened or allowed the use of their bank accounts to conceal and dissipate illicitly obtained amounts, thus contributing to money laundering.
During the searches, various computer-related materials and other documents were seized, corroborating the evidence of the crimes committed, as well as other assets resulting from illegal gains, including high-end vehicles, jewelry, and valuable watches.
The detainees are scheduled to appear before the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) today for their initial interrogation.
The investigation is led by the DIAP of Lisbon.
