The Polícia Judiciária (PJ) announced today in a statement that a 69-year-old suspect, apprehended on Wednesday in the Algarve region by the criminal investigation police, was the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by authorities in Kazakhstan.
The PJ reported that the man was brought before the Court of Appeal in Évora, where a coercive measure was imposed in anticipation of extradition proceedings.
Regarding the extradition process, the PJ spokesperson informed Lusa News Agency that Kazakhstan must formally request the suspect’s extradition, and the case will undergo further analysis in accordance with the established procedures.
“Between 2019 and 2022, the suspect allegedly orchestrated a scheme involving the fictitious signing of contracts for the supply of equipment and sports uniforms with affiliated organizations. Funds were subsequently illegally withdrawn and distributed among members of the criminal group,” stated the PJ press office.
The investigation revealed that the money was later channeled through intermediaries or disbursed as dividends, causing financial damage to the state estimated at about €1.8 million at the current exchange rate.
The PJ added that these crimes could result in a prison sentence of up to 12 years.
The arrest was conducted by the Criminal Information Unit as part of international cooperation efforts.
