The crimes of corruption, according to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, were committed between 2019 and 2021. During this period, the municipal inspectors allegedly accepted bribes from a dozen residents with illegal constructions, in exchange for favors. These favors included financial payments and other goods such as bottles of wine and lunches to overlook illegal activities.
The conviction of the 14 defendants was decided on April 30 by the Loures Central Criminal Court. The Public Prosecutor’s Office announced this decision in a statement, noting that the ruling is still subject to appeal.
Two municipal inspectors from the Loures City Council were sentenced to six years and three months of imprisonment, along with additional penalties prohibiting them from holding public office, as per the court ruling.
The other two municipal inspectors received prison sentences based on the number of offenses committed, with one sentenced to one year and eight months, and the other to two years and six months of imprisonment. These sentences were suspended for periods ranging from three to five years, contingent upon fulfilling certain conditions and making payments to a Private Institution of Social Solidarity (IPSS) between 3,000 and 5,000 euros.
As for the other 10 defendants in this case, all residents of Loures, each was sentenced to one year and six months of imprisonment, with execution suspended for three years. This suspension is subject to certain conditions and payment of 3,000 euros to an IPSS.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office indicated that the 10 convicted residents had illegal constructions and sought to “expand or modify” these buildings. They relied on the municipal inspectors, offering bribes in return for “information about inspections, omission of fines, and delay in enforcement actions.”
According to the ruling, municipal inspectors also provided residents with information on how to “conceal ongoing constructions from authorities” and advice on “delaying tactics in case of fines.”
The corruption offenses committed by these 14 defendants occurred between 2019 and 2021, during the previous municipal term from 2017 to 2021, when the Loures City Council was led by Bernardino Soares (PCP). Currently, in the 2021-2025 term, this municipality in the Lisbon district is headed by Ricardo Leão (PS).
The investigation leading to this conviction was conducted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office through the 1st Section of the Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DIAP) of Loures, with assistance from the Judicial Police.
