An irregular immigrant in Portugal was detained this Friday afternoon during an operation conducted by the Public Security Police (PSP) at the Babilónia Shopping Center in Amadora.
The shopping center was closed for the raid, which began shortly after 3:00 PM.
Subintendent Adriano Magalhães, commander of the Amadora Division of the PSP, told SIC Notícias that the operation “focused on the inspection of mobile phone sales establishments,” and about 12 devices were found “from illegal activities, namely thefts and robberies.”
“We proceeded with the detention of a citizen for illegal stay in the national territory, and several were notified to regularize their situation in the national territory,” he added.
The official stated that “it has already happened several times” that stolen or robbed mobile phones are found in that shopping center, which was “one of the motivations for this operation.” However, it is “a lengthy operation,” as “about 80% of the establishments are dedicated” to selling second-hand mobile phones.
Adriano Magalhães also mentioned that the PSP gave “priority to people who need it, namely the elderly and those accompanied by children,” and that “the situation is almost regularized now.”
On-site were 14 teams, including those from the Authority for Working Conditions (ACT) and Social Security.
[Updated at 9:26 PM]
