Two men appeared for their initial judicial hearing at the Criminal Court of Inquiry in Loures, Lisbon district, and were released on the least severe restraint measure: the Term of Identity and Residence (TIR), a judicial source informed.
In connection with this investigation, singer Nininho Vaz Maia was one of the targets of the searches conducted on Tuesday by the Judiciary Police (PJ). He is indicted for drug trafficking and money laundering, a police source previously indicated.
Apart from the musician, the case involves two other defendants, a man and a lawyer.
The attorney of a sixth individual, whom the investigation suspects to be the “leader” of the alleged international drug trafficking network by air, stated that his client “is not on the run.”
“The Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Criminal Inquiry Judge have been aware since 11:00 am today that Mauro Wilson is available to provide statements in this case,” said Paulo Mendes Santos.
On Tuesday, the team of Nininho Vaz Maia, in a statement, affirmed the 37-year-old singer’s innocence and his cooperation with the justice system.
“It is crucial to state unequivocally that Nininho is innocent, and we have full confidence in justice, convinced that everything will be clarified promptly. We reaffirm our total willingness to cooperate with the authorities in whatever is necessary, but we reject any hasty association,” the statement read.
The PJ revealed in a Tuesday statement that it had conducted 33 residential and non-residential searches in the Greater Lisbon area as part of the SKYS4ALL operation, “which resulted in the detention of two citizens and the constitution of three defendants.”
“The operation aimed at gathering evidence concerning the presumed illicit activities of a criminal group involved in drug trafficking by air and money laundering,” explained this investigative force.
In addition to executing search and seizure warrants, five vehicles, two firearms, a significant amount of cash, various communication equipment, and documentation were also seized, added the PJ.
Investigations continue under the direction of the Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DIAP) of Loures, Lisbon district.
