The investigation into the neo-Nazi group Armilar Lusitano Movement (MAL) has expanded beyond the Public Security Police (PSP) officer already in preventive detention for recruiting members. Authorities are scrutinizing additional security forces personnel due to suspected connections with the group.
The focus includes a member of the National Republican Guard (GNR), who is currently on service leave, and a Marine. Both are alleged to have supplied weapons and ammunition to the implicated PSP officer, Bruno Gonçalves, and provided camouflage uniforms to another of the four individuals now held in preventive detention.
The GNR officer is reportedly residing in Poland, engaged with arms trading. Meanwhile, it is claimed that the Marine handed over a bag of camouflage uniforms in 2023 to one of the suspects currently detained.
Details further reveal that one group leader served as a lieutenant in the Army from 2003 to 2006, later joining the PSP’s arms and explosives department in 2008 before transferring to the Lisbon Municipal Police in 2016.
Bruno Gonçalves is among four individuals placed in preventive detention following their arrest last Tuesday, from a total of six suspects believed to be MAL members.
The ongoing investigation has unveiled that Gonçalves was responsible for conducting in-person recruitment interviews for the neo-Nazi faction.
The PSP officer, apprehended last Tuesday, was stationed with the Lisbon Municipal Police and is one of the three founders of the neo-Nazi group established in 2018. The other founders include a truck driver, also arrested that day, and a private security professional.
Lusa | 20:53 – 19/06/2025
It is known that Bruno Gonçalves had been listed as a substitute candidate for the ultra-nationalist far-right party Ergue-te in the Lisbon Municipal Assembly elections on September 26, 2021.
Despite the evident conflict with his police role, he appeared 15th in the party’s list of substitute candidates for the city council. In 2022, Gonçalves’ name was included in a roster for the “awarding of an exemplary conduct medal to PSP officers for the second quarter of 2022.” This document, dated July 3, 2023, notes that he was honored with a silver medal for “exemplary conduct” on April 2 of the previous year.
The PSP National Directorate stated unawareness of the officer’s political affiliations, though noted that any such affiliation constitutes a disqualifying factor. This point was underscored with mention of the General Inspection of Internal Administration (IGAI) having the authority to initiate a disciplinary process, mirroring actions by the Lisbon Municipal Police.
The PSP officer held the 15th spot on the Ergue-te party’s list for the Lisbon Municipal Assembly election on September 26, 2021. In 2022, he received state recognition with a silver medal for “exemplary conduct.”
Daniela Filipe | 09:06 – 21/06/2025
The Judiciary Police (PJ) detained six suspects allegedly affiliated with MAL on Tuesday. Four suspects remain in preventive detention, while two others are required to report periodically to authorities.
The four in preventive detention are charged with “crimes related to terrorist group affiliations,” including the “manufacturing of 3D weapons with terrorist intent.” The other two detainees, reportedly the parents of detained individuals, face charges of “illegal weapon possession.”
The MAL aimed to evolve into a political movement backed by a paramilitary group, preparing for large-scale action by “arming itself” and “recruiting individuals” for tactical training.
