During a press conference, José Ribeiro, the coordinator of criminal investigation of the National Unit to Combat Cybercrime and Technological Crime, explained that an investigation that began at the end of 2023 uncovered a structured criminal network. This network facilitated at least 60 marriages, with profits amounting to around two million euros, as each immigrant would pay about 33,000 euros for the marriage.
The immigrants, as clients of this network, initially contacted through social media and later through word of mouth, he explained at the PJ headquarters. Ribeiro added that these clients were willing to pay tens of thousands of euros solely for legalization in national territory.
All brides were Portuguese, allowing legalization within the national territory. However, none of the identified immigrants achieved Portuguese nationality since marriage grants a residence title, and a five-year period is required before nationality is granted.
The PJ operation is still ongoing, with more arrests expected. So far, 58 people have been detained, with “a large part of those detained today being brides,” according to José Ribeiro.
Most of the grooms, clients of this network, are already living in other European countries, but all have been identified, assured the PJ. This will be another phase involving international cooperation, the criminal investigation coordinator added.
Andrea Pinto | 10:44 – 09/07/2025
The dismantled network already had an organized structure, with mentors at the top responsible for the network. Below them were recruiters and finally, a network of intended brides willing to marry clients of the network, explained José Ribeiro.
This investigation was based on suspicions of computer fraud, as the police discovered a network for marriages of convenience through social media. The methods have been evolving from the beginning, Ribeiro noted, initially suggesting the opening of a company in Portugal to obtain a residence permit.
However, they quickly realized that marriages of convenience were a much faster and easier scheme to obtain residency. Thus, a network of brides was also created, he added.
The suspects are indicted for aiding illegal immigration, associating to aid illegal immigration, and computer fraud. They will be presented, as part of this process, to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation is conducted by the National Unit to Combat Cybercrime and Technological Crime (UNC3T) of PJ, under an inquiry led by the Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DIAP) of Lisbon.
