The reinforcement of the team, now consisting of four magistrates, was mandated by the Attorney General, who appointed Hugo Neto. Neto is also a prosecutor in the Operação Influencer case, which led to the fall of António Costa’s government, and in the EDP case, which concluded with the conviction of former Banco Espírito Santo president Ricardo Salgado and former Economy Minister Manuel Pinho.
“In addition to these, Public Prosecutors who participated in the inquiry and instruction phases can also intervene in the process whenever necessary,” reads the note published by the Attorney General’s Office.
Prosecutor Hugo Neto joins the three prosecutors, Rómulo Mateus, Rui Real, and Nadine Xarope, who have been questioning the defendants and witnesses in the Operação Marquês trial since its onset.
The trial commenced on July 3 at the Lisbon Central Criminal Court, where several defendants, including former Prime Minister José Sócrates, and various witnesses have already been heard.
The case encompasses a total of 21 defendants, who have generally denied the 117 economic and financial crimes charged against them. José Sócrates, the main defendant, faces charges primarily of corruption and money laundering.
