Following an interview by former Prime Minister José Sócrates with CNN last week, in which he disclosed a two-week visit to the United Arab Emirates, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has submitted inquiries concerning the Operation Marquês trial. The prosecution suggests that Sócrates might have deliberately failed to inform the court of his trip as part of a plan to evade national justice.

Sócrates, who is on trial for 22 charges, is under an identity and residence requirement, the least severe restraining order, which mandates notification of any new residence or location if he leaves the country for more than five days.

The court filing states, “If it is true that the defendant traveled to the Middle East during the period mentioned, it is clear that he violated the respective status.”

Now, the Public Prosecutor’s Office seeks clarification from Sócrates regarding his international travels and the reasons for not reporting them. They also request the Border and Foreign Coordination Unit, the Passenger Information Office, and ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal to provide records of Sócrates’ entries and exits from Portugal.

If unreported travel is confirmed, the Public Prosecutor’s Office may consider revising the restraining measures.

Sócrates, aged 68, faces charges including three counts of corruption for allegedly receiving funds to favor the Lena Group, Espírito Santo Group (GES), and the Algarve resort of Vale do Lobo in various dossiers.

The trial, involving 21 defendants who generally deny the 117 financial-economic crimes charged, began on July 3 at the Lisbon Central Criminal Court. The court clarified on November 11 that corruption charges related to Vale do Lobo might expire in the first half of 2026.