The operation ‘Cheque In’, which today prompted searches at TAP and a law firm concerning the compensation to former airline executive Alexandra Reis, has already resulted in one suspect, a source connected to the investigation revealed.
The same source specified that the suspect is affiliated with the law firm where searches were conducted.
TAP was searched today as part of an inquiry into the compensation paid to a former airline executive, announced the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The searches also involved a law firm in Lisbon and “investigations into electronic equipment at the Government’s General Secretariat,” stated the Lisbon District Prosecutor’s Office in a note.
Suspicions involve crimes of harmful administration, improper receipt or offer of benefits, economic participation in business, and abuse of power.
The inquiry is headed by the Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DIAP) in Lisbon, focusing on “facts related to the granting of compensation upon the resignation of a member and executive board member of TAP.”
In December 2022, TAP was embroiled in a controversy over a compensation payment of 500,000 euros to then-administrator Alexandra Reis for her early departure from the company.
On May 31, 2023, the executive stated she had returned that day to the company 266,412.76 euros, “the total net amount indicated by TAP.”
According to the communiqué, today’s searches aim to “seize documentation” and are “led by public prosecutors and an investigating judge, assisted by inspectors from the Judicial Police (PJ).”
According to the PJ, the operation included the participation of 20 inspectors and specialists from the institution’s Scientific Police, with the case assigned to the National Unit for Combating Corruption.
Contacted by Lusa, TAP assured it was cooperating with authorities in all investigations and declined to comment on judicial proceedings.
“TAP does not comment on judicial proceedings and always cooperates with authorities in any investigations,” the airline responded in writing.
