In a statement, the Polícia Judiciária reported that individuals are “strongly suspected of engaging in passive and active corruption within the private goods transportation sector, as well as in money laundering activities.”
According to the PJ, the investigation involves illicit payments amounting to tens of thousands of euros.
“The investigation revealed that the criminal activity has been ongoing since at least 2021, leading to a breach of loyalty and trust in private relationships and a serious violation of functional duties, causing a distortion of competition,” the PJ emphasized.
The detained individuals, aged between 41 and 55, include both Portuguese and foreign nationals, who are managing partners of freight transport companies. One of them is an executive of an international business group dedicated to transportation and logistics.
“The modus operandi involved awarding transport service contracts to the suspect companies, orchestrated by the executive, contingent on pre-agreed daily payments,” explained the PJ.
These payments were made in cash and through bank transfers to third-party accounts.
Six residential and one non-residential searches were conducted, leading to the seizure of significant evidence in both physical and digital formats.
Additionally, two individuals and two corporate entities were also named as defendants.
The detainees are set to appear at the Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DIAP) in Loures, which is overseeing the inquiry, for an initial judicial interrogation and imposition of precautionary measures.
