The arrests took place in the Porto Metropolitan Area. The suspects are aged between 20 and 60.
Thirteen people, aged between 20 and 60, were arrested on Tuesday in the Porto Metropolitan Area for allegedly belonging to a transnational organized group, the Judicial Police (PJ) revealed in a statement sent to Notícias ao Minuto.
According to the inspectors, the detainees are suspected of committing transnational computer and economic-financial crimes, which led to illicit gains of more than one million euros.
The Central Directorate’s investigation began this year and targets an organized transnational group dedicated to committing the crimes of qualified fraud, computer and communications fraud, abuse of a guarantee card or payment card, device or data, computer fraud, illegitimate access and money laundering, through modus operandi known as ‘phishing’ and ‘CEO Fraud’.
According to the PJ, the money obtained through this illicit practice came from Portuguese banks, defrauding several Portuguese companies. The money circulated through national accounts, specifically created to receive these funds, which were immediately dissipated to other national and foreign bank accounts or used to purchase high-value or luxury items.
The detainees will now be brought before the judicial authority for first questioning and the application of coercive measures.
The PJ will continue with the investigation, aiming to fully ascertain all the criminal conduct.
