Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 13^th December 2023

Good morning. I would like to highlight in this weekly feature some of the excellent work undertaken by police. These cases show examples of thorough and painstaking investigations followed by well-coordinated and planned operations, resulting in seizures and recovery of stolen property and the arrest of those involved.

We start with yesterday – The case involves a mega-operation conducted by the Judicial Police against drug trafficking in the capital which resulted in the arrest of one of the biggest drug traffickers in the capital, Heitor Brandão, in the cafe he owned at the time of his arrest. The detainee is considered by the authorities to be one of the biggest Portuguese traffickers, as a result of the many kilos of drugs he trafficked into national territory. We are awaiting more details.

Another case, also yesterday, involved a mega GNR operation resulting in the arrest of 12 persons in Braga and Porto for the theft of over 100 vehicles. During the investigation, the GNR managed to return 27 vehicles to their owners. Ten men and two women were arrested on Sunday, in the districts of Porto and Braga. According to the GNR, they are suspected of stealing more than 100 vehicles, with an estimated value of three million euros. According to the press release, the action culminated in the execution of 12 arrest warrants, 54 search warrants, and 10 preventive seizures of bank accounts.

A different type of theft – but one that causes heavy losses to olive producers. The GNR in a more protracted operation have recovered more than 10 tonnes of olives and detrained 62 suspects of theft of agricultural products. These are the results of the GNR operation aimed at the present harvest season in the district of Beja. The data, indicated in a statement by the Beja Territorial Command of the GNR on Monday, relate to the period between June 26th and December 4th of the “Campo Seguro 2023” operation, which is still taking place in this Alentejo region. According to the GNR, in this period, 199 awareness-raising actions were carried out, in which 595 people were covered and 376 officers were involved.

A big thank you, therefore, to the security forces.

Turning now to the subject of fuel management (land cleaning). A research project in Coimbra has concluded that there is no significant difference in fire behaviour between managed and unmanaged areas close to infrastructure, and revealed a lack of scientific support for the current fuel management policy (Land cleaning).

Joaquim Sande Silva, who coordinated the InduForestFire research project, together with João Paulo Rodrigues, stated “We were unable to prove, in statistical terms, that there is a statistically significant difference between managed areas and unmanaged areas [next to infrastructure],” For the researcher and professor at the Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, the review of the legislation around fuel management bands that came out in 2018, after the large fires that had occurred the previous year, “has not produced with any scientific basis, nor experts in the field were not even consulted to produce this legislation.”

According to the researcher, the legislation currently in place forced “highly debatable work”, with trees of high heritage value being “cut down”, without any scientific support that could demonstrate that these same trees would be a threat to the safety of people and infrastructure. In the forestry component, the team focused on fuel management and the forest composition around infrastructures, “with the backdrop of the legislation currently in force and in the process of being reviewed and amended”. We await the outcome of this and how the results will impact on the fuel management laws currently in place and will monitor closely.

Lastly the Festive period for many means good food, good drink and great company. In the lead up to, and during, the festive period, however, we inevitable see an increase in alcohol related crime, especially drink driving and dangerous situations that people have little control over, resulting from excessive consumption of alcohol. The ANSR, GNR and PSP will be undertaking various operations to try and help people have and enjoyable and Safe Christmas and New Year’s festive period. We are promoting these through social media and newsletter etc., and as you all to follow the advice being given.

With that our team wishes you a very happy week ahead.

News

International operation detects 16 infractions for timber trafficking in Portugal

Lisbon, 12 December 2023 (Lusa) – Portuguese authorities registered 16 infractions linked to illegal timber trafficking in an international operation to combat networks involved in environmental crime, smuggling and tax evasion, among other crimes, it was announced today.

The “Madeira de Lei 2.0 2023” operation took place between the 13th and 17th of November and included the participation of the GNR, through the Nature and Environment Protection Service (SEPNA), the PSP, the Tax and Customs Authority (AT), the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) and the Maritime Police, reads a statement released today.

According to the statement, the inspection actions were encouraged by Europol and El PAcCTO (cooperation program between Europe and Latin America, based on assistance against organized transnational crime) and carried out within the scope of the Convention on International Trade in Species of Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

In addition to Portugal, they involved security forces and services from Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain and aimed to combat networks involved in environmental crime, illegal logging, smuggling, tax evasion, money laundering money and document fraud.

Of the 16 infractions for illegal timber trafficking detected in Portugal, five occurred due to lack of registration in the CITES national register and another five due to lack of registration and data recording in the Integrated Electronic Waste Registration System (SIRER), three due to lack of registration for the commercialization of exotic woods, two due to lack of registration as a wood commercialization operator and one due to lack of annual CITES endorsement.

29 infractions were also recorded for other reasons, namely the transport of goods and violation of the highway code.

The statement adds that, of the 213 inspection actions carried out, 108 were carried out on operators of trade and transformation of wood and wood products, 90 on transporters of wood and wood products and 15 on containers present in sea ports.

The operation also included the collaboration in certain inspection actions in the Districts of Braga, Porto and Santarém, from an expert from the Brazilian Federal Police in wood identification and forest information analysis.

At an international level, the entities highlight that, out of a total of 226 inspection actions, wood from Myanmar (formerly Burma) was seized, worth €12,000, and wood from Brazil worth €67,000.

“The illegal timber trade is an abominable practice that involves the devastation of an area of ​​forest equivalent to a football field every two seconds around the world. The illegal timber trade depletes natural resources in countries of origin and has a direct impact on deforestation and, consequently, climate change,” noted Europol.

The illicit timber trade is one of the most financially profitable transnational criminal activities, generating almost 6.5 billion euros annually.

Various types of wood – such as teak, rosewood, ipê and Pernambuco – are highly sought after in European countries, where they are used for various purposes, including the creation of ornaments and construction in general.

Organized criminal groups mask the origin of wood through falsifying documents and bribery to get through customs controls, which is why this crime includes numerous environmental crimes, illegal logging, smuggling, document fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Thursday 7^th December 2023

Good morning everyone. The 3rd December marked the International Day of persons with disabilities.  More than 1.3 billion people experience significant disability today, which represents 16% of the global population. Many persons with disabilities die earlier, are at increased risk of developing a range of health conditions, and experience more limitations in everyday functioning than the rest of the population. Persons with disabilities are often disproportionally affected by disasters and have different and uneven levels of resilience and capacity to recover.

Many are socially or logistically isolated and lack access to evacuation warnings and appropriate transportation for themselves, for those who care for them and any medical equipment necessary for their well-being. When we consider and take action concerning disaster preparedness, be it rural fires or flooding we can do our part by ensuring that family members those we know with disabilities are also prepared. We can do much to help them.

Turning to the subject of using phones whilst which despite being a dangerous practice is the cause of many serious and fatal road accidents. In Portugal, despite the results obtained in the last two decades, on average, 650 people lose their lives on the road each year. A number far from the only acceptable number: ZERO.

The temptation to respond to calls and notifications from your cell phone is the cause of many accidents, whilst driving. Texting whilst driving is the most dangerous distraction. Campaigns being conducted by the ANSR, GNR and PSP emphasise that: Using a cell phone while driving increases the likelihood of having a car accident by four times; at 50 km/h, looking at your cell phone for 3 seconds is the same as driving a distance of 42 meters blindfolded, the equivalent of a line of 10 cars and, using a cell phone while driving increases reaction time to unforeseen situations greater than the effect of a blood alcohol level of 0.8 g/l. It begs the question therefore why would anyone use their phone whilst driving given these facts?

To reduce the risk while driving and avoid this dangerous distraction, opt for one of the following strategies: Turn off your cell phone, or activate silent mode; place the cell phone in the glove compartment or in a place that does not allow access; turn on voice messages so people can leave messages while you travel; stop at an authorized and safe location to check or return urgent calls; avoid, whenever possible, using hands-free mode and take the initiative to say that you will call back later, whenever you realize that the person you are calling is driving. Fines range from €250 to €1250, driving ban from 1 to 12 months and 3 points deduction on licence.

With the winter season upon us there is a bigger demand on heating appliances and other equipment used for keeping us warm at this time of year. It is also a time when there is an increase in household fires. Many electrical fires can be prevented by following some simple electricity safety tips. These include checking electrical wires for wear and tear – replace any that are damaged; avoid overloading plug/power sockets; checking that you’re using the correct wattage in all your fixtures and appliances and switching off and unplug Christmas them before you go to bed or going out.

Whether you own or rent your home, it’s important to know the signs of a potential electrical problem. Look out for scorch marks, flickering lights, hot plugs and sockets, fuses that blow or circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reason. These could all be signs of loose or dangerous wiring. If in doubt get them checked by a qualified electrician; you are within your rights to ask this of your landlord if you are a tenant.

We congratulate the organisers and volunteers who support The Food Bank’s campaign against Hunger who collected almost 2,300 tonnes of food from last Friday to Sunday, 10% more than in the same period last year. The president of FPBACF Isabel Jonet, recalled that there are more and more people experiencing serious financial difficulties: “When people ask for help with eating, it is when all other requests for help have been exhausted. It’s not easy to ask for help with eating.” There are around two million people who live on less than 591 euros per month remembering that half of these people live on less than 224 euros. A most worthy cause.

Our team wishes you a safe week ahead

News

Lisbon – Earthquake Emergency Response Planning

Lisbon, 05 Dec 2023 (Lusa) – The organized response of emergency services to an earthquake can take up to around 72 hours, which is why the Municipal Civil Protection Service (SMPC) of Lisbon is working with parish councils to plan relief.

According to Margarida Castro Martins, director of the SMPC in Lisbon, the experience of other earthquakes suggests that it is estimated that the organized response of the emergency services “may take up to around 72 hours”, that is, three days, and that in this period 95 % of the help is provided by the population, family, neighbours and friends.

The person responsible, who was speaking at an initiative promoted by the association Lisboa E-Nova – Lisbon Energy-Environment Agency, on “Local Emergency Planning”, explained that the city council is thus preparing with the parish councils the prevention and response to the occurrence of an earthquake and ‘tsunami’.

This takes into account that no one knows the territory and the populations better than the parish councils, their workers and their residents.

The SMPC leader highlighted that the seismic risk in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) is considered “high to very high” and that the basis of the capital’s municipality’s response is the Civil Protection Special Emergency Plan for Seismic Risk in AML and neighbouring municipalities.

The Lisbon municipality, with 24 parishes and 545,796 inhabitants, has Lumiar as the most populous parish, with 46,334 residents, and Misericórdia as the least populous, with 9,658 residents, who naturally have “different realities”, and only Local Units of Civil Protection (ULPC) in the parishes of Alcântara (2016), Misericórdia (2020) and Penha de França (2021).

The municipality is preparing local emergency plans in the parishes of Avenidas Novas, Beato, Belém, Campo de Ourique, and updating those of Arroios and Olivais.

In addition to seismic risk plans, the municipality is also promoting an evacuation plan for the riverside area in the event of a ‘tsunami’, with a warning and alert system, following an earthquake.

The municipality already has two sirens installed, in Praça do Império, in the parish of Belém, and in Ribeira das Naus, in the parish of Santa Maria Maior, and has two more planned for 2024, in Doca de Santos, (Alcântara) and Estação de Santos (Estrela), foreseeing at least six more sirens in riverside parishes, by 2026.

The national director of risk prevention and management at the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), Carlos Mendes, presented the work carried out on the seismic risk assessment in AML, which is also used for the plan for the Algarve region.

The official also highlighted that in these types of events “the first response is mainly a proximity response”, which “often is not even carried out by organized relief structures” and that, in the first hours, “citizen mutual aid mechanisms” operate mainly. .

The emergency plan for AML and neighbouring municipalities involves more than a hundred entities “for a coordinated response” to an earthquake situation, and in the case of an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 on the Richter scale, means of support from districts of outside the area, and the definition of runways for international assistance, namely the air bases of Monte Real and Beja, or Sintra and Montijo.

International support mechanisms can come from France, Spain and Morocco, but Carlos Mendes noted that, in the case of an earthquake like the one in 1755, Spain and Morocco could also be affected, and therefore help will have to be provided within the framework of other European countries.

The Lisboa E-Nova session, according to Eduardo Silva, from the organization, despite some technical problems, aimed to raise awareness of the seismic risk in the city of Lisbon and in AML, with the aim of guaranteeing a culture of prevention, urgent to anticipate not only “the capacity to respond, but also the way in which the response is given”, in a situation of possible catastrophe.

 

Portugal Situation and Security Report Wednesday 29^th November 2023

Good morning – Firstly I would like to cover the 17th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI), which ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness. Produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the GPI is the world’s leading measure of global peacefulness.

Europe remains the most peaceful region in the world and is home to seven of the ten most peaceful countries. Portugal was in 7th place globally, (5^th in Europe) up one place since last year, compared to neighbours Spain in 32nd place and France 67th place. The UK was in 37th place.

Portugal was 16th place in the Safety and Security domain, up one place from last year, but 7 places lower than 2020. Globally this domain has deteriorated 5.4 per cent between 2008 and 2023. Of the 11 indicators in this domain, nine deteriorated and two improved. The largest deterioration occurred in the violent demonstrations indicator, with 120 countries seeing the impact. This domain evaluates the level of harmony or discord within a nation; eleven indicators broadly assess what might be described as Societal Safety and Security. The assertion is that low crime rates, minimal terrorist activity and violent demonstrations, harmonious relations with neighbouring countries, a stable political scene and a small proportion of the population being internally displaced or made refugees can be equated with peacefulness.

What caught my eye, however, in studying this report was that 2022 was the deadliest year for armed conflict since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the deadliest year in the history of the GPI. This was driven by more than 100,000 deaths in the war in Tigray in northern Ethiopia. The battles between the Ethiopian Defence Force, ally Eritrea and rebel group TPLF is the single deadliest event since 1994. Ukraine also saw at least 82,000 conflict deaths in 2022. Conflict-related deaths in Mali increased 154 per cent in 2022, with violence against civilians rising by 570 per cent, while in Myanmar, conflict-related deaths increased by 87 per cent. In contrast, the level of violence in other conflict affected areas fell sharply over the past year. Conflict-related deaths fell by 91 per cent in Afghanistan, and by 63 per cent in Yemen.

Unfortunately both violence and peacefulness can be contagious. Actions in one region or country can spill over into bordering regions and countries, leading to virtuous or vicious cycles where peace and conflict move in tandem. We await the GPI report for 2024 to see how far current major conflicts currently ongoing have impacted on neighbouring countries, especially the war between Hamas and Israel.

As most people are aware there are many fraudulent schemes and scams that operate through social media. Most are there to get you to part with your money, usually through offering items at unbelievably low prices or through illegitimate or illegal means.   An example of the latter was surfaced yesterday by the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) who gave a public alert related to a fraud scheme in obtaining a driving license.

According to the organization, there is a scheme being shared on social media and via SMS that promises to obtain a legal license to drive in exchange for a sum of money. IMT stated on its official website: “The IMT does not communicate payment for any of its services through these means, and therefore should not proceed, at any time, with the requested payment”. If you receive one of these SMS, and do not drive, DO NOT be tempted to try and obtain a licence through illegal means. There is no short cut to obtaining a driving licence which requires the passing of a test and obtaining a licence through the IMT

We remind people that accidents resulting from the use of a mobile phone whilst driving are one of the largest causes of road deaths. Between November 28 and December 4, ANSR, PSP and GNR are launching the campaign: “At the wheel, the mobile phone can wait”. The campaign integrates moments of monitoring and awareness among drivers and passengers. Unfortunately it would appear from the fact that many drivers ignore this, they do not understand the consequences of their actions, and the impact this may have on other road users who do follow the law.

Lastly we thank all of you who visited our stand at the Christmas Fair organised by Amigos de Museu do Traje in São Brás de Alportel, held on Sunday 26th November. By far the largest number of enquiries concerned the Emergency ID Card which was initiated by Safe Communities Portugal and developed by us in conjunction with the INEM, PSP and GNR. This can be completed and downloaded from our website, and carrying this with you means that if you have an accident, the emergency services have vital information that facilitates life support at the scene. More details and download here;

With this message our newsletter team, Susan, Mike, Chris and I wish you a safe week ahead.

News

Judicial Police seize more than 4 Tonnes of Cocaine from a warehouse in Lisbon

Lisbon, 28 Nov 2023 (Lusa)- The Judiciary Police (PJ) announced today the seizure of more than four tons of cocaine hidden in boxes of bananas in a warehouse in Lisbon, as part of an operation to combat international drug trafficking.

In a statement, the PJ said the process of detecting and removing the 4.4 tons of drugs was difficult, as they were disguised in several boxes of bananas, which in turn were housed on pallets inside maritime containers.

The cocaine came from Ecuador, reached national territory by sea, and had its final destination in other European countries, which are not specified.

During this operation, no arrests were made in Portugal, however the PJ considers that relevant evidence was collected, and the information was shared with authorities in other countries.

“Operation Anchor”, launched in recent months, had the support of the Tax and Customs Authority and is part of the effort to combat illicit cocaine trafficking, developed by the Judiciary Police in conjunction with foreign authorities.

Montalegre Municipality captured 14,654 Asia Hornets in the 2023 Campaign.

Montalegre, Vila Real, 28 Nov 2023 (Lusa) – The municipality of Montalegre captured 14,654 Asian wasps in the trap network and eliminated 56 nests in the 2023 campaign, which took place within the scope of the municipal plan to combat this invasive species, it was announced today.

The municipality in the North of the Vila Real district took stock of the 2023 campaign to combat the velutina wasp, also known as the Asian wasp, and reported that, this year, 14,654 wasps were captured, dispersed throughout the municipality’s territory.

The Asian wasp is a predator of bees and other native pollinating insects, and is a threat that has expanded in the country.

According to the Montalegre council, the vast majority of captures made in the municipality were foundress wasps, that is, wasps capable of creating their own nest (future queens).

The plan is being implemented by the Forestry Technical Office and is led by technician José Luís Tavares.

“The trap network presents excellent results, capturing a significant number of velutina wasps, however, it is important to bear in mind that these wasps are never all captured and that the participation of all citizens in identifying and signalling nests is increasingly necessary, . (Primary and secondary)”, said the person in charge, quoted in a statement.

As he explained, this year began with “a mild winter, in which the less extreme cold was favourable to the survival of many hibernating wasps, which in more adverse circumstances could perish”.

“In addition, the high temperatures in spring and summer were favourable for the wasps to disperse,” he added.

In 2023, the network of traps to combat the velutina wasp 2023 included 250 units spread across the municipality. The campaign took place between May and August, that is, it lasted four months, with eight fortnightly monitoring sessions.

According to the municipality, the parishes of Cabril, Salto and Ferral account for around half of all catches made, which “evidences that the lowest and bordering areas of the municipalities of Vieira do Minho, Terras de Bouro and Cabeceiras de Basto are the most affected by this plague.”

So far, he said, five primary nests (diameters between five cms and 10 cms) and 51 secondary nests (diameters between 30 cms and 80 cms) have been identified and duly eliminated.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 22^nd November 2023

Good morning everyone, Safe Communities has had a very busy week attending the A Terra Treme national Earthquake Awareness Exercise in Olhão; the presentation of the results of Algarve Operation Rural Fire Plan 2023 in Faro, and as well as holding the Safe Christmas and New Year’s Festive Period Seminar, together with Amigos do Museu do Traje São Brás de Alportel

We were very pleased with the outcome of the seminar at São Brás de Alportel, which was timely with the focus on crime prevention and road safety. This coincided with the “World Day in Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims”, being marked on 19^th November, in which the President of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa strongly appealed for operational and awareness work to be reinforced against a problem that caused 238 deaths in the first half of this year.

Marking “World Day in Remembrance of Road Traffic Victims”, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, recognized “the relevant role of awareness-raising and inspection campaigns planned within the scope of the National Inspection Plan”, but called “strongly for operational work and collective awareness to be reinforced, because all lives count”, according to a note published on the presidency’s website.

These remarks by the President of the Republic clearly illustrate the importance of road safety and that everyone, both pedestrians and road users, have a role to play, in reducing the number of deaths and injuries each year”. “Remember this festive period the Best Gift is Being Present. And that depends on the commitment of all of us”.

Safe Communities Portugal was honoured to participate as a guest at the national Earthquake Awareness Exercise “A Terra Treme”, which took place during the morning of 14^th November, at the Dr. Francisco Fernandes Lopes Secondary School – Olhão. We have been promoting this initiative for over 10 years. The exercise involves the execution of the 3 self-protection measures, carried out in various safe contexts, which can save lives, in order to alert and raise awareness of the population on how to act before, during and after the occurrence of an earthquake.

Those attending included the Minister of Internal Administration José Luís Carneiro, Secretary of State for Civil Protection Patricia Gaspar and Entities from the Ministry of Education, the President of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, General Duarte da Costa, and senior dignitaries from the most diverse entities that make up the national civil protection system. This includes Safe Communities Portugal which is an official Civil Protection Volunteer Organisation.  Apart from the exercise itself which included an “evacuation” of several hundred students there were various displays by the civil protection agents including the GNR, Bombeiros etc.

The third event was the presentation of the results of Algarve Operation Rural Fire Plan 2023 (DECIR Algarve23) held on 15^th November in Faro. Rather than repeat all the details of the information presented, I would ask you to read Mike Evans report included in this week’s Algarve Report. Despite being a year with extreme weather conditions in terms of high temperatures, when comparing the rural fires for the year 2023 with the history of the previous 10 years, there were 16% fewer rural fires and 44% less burned area compared to the annual average for the period under analysis – So better news.

With the arrival of the Polar air mass yesterday we are already experiencing some cooler weather and we can expect overnight air temperatures down to close to 0C to 2C particular in valleys in the centre and north of the mainland again tonight. During the cold weather there are certain precautions to take when it comes to protecting from low temperatures. Many domestic accidents are due to the effect of carbon monoxide, toxic gas, odourless and colourless. Most fatal domestic fires are at night time. We repeat the safety messages regularly so would ask everyone to follow these.

Lastly we will have a stand at the Museu do Traje São Brás de Alportel, Christmas Fair on Sunday 26^th November from 10.00 to 15.00 hrs, in which you can obtain information on our work. We are pleased to answer questions on crime prevention, civil protection and road safety issues. We look forward to seeing you. A great fair, with home grown produce, bread, cakes, books, craft, spices, music and street food etc.

Our team wishes you a good week ahead.

News

Kamov helicopters offered to Ukraine more than a year ago remain “on national soil”

Lisbon, 21 Nov 2023 (Lusa) – The six Kamov firefighting helicopters offered by Portugal to Ukraine more than a year ago still remain in the country, awaiting Portuguese authorities for instructions from Kiev, the Ministry of Defence told Lusa today.

“The Kamov helicopters transferred to Ukraine at the request of the Kiev authorities are on national soil, awaiting indications from the Ukrainian counterpart on the next steps to be taken”, indicates the Ministry of National Defence, in a response sent to the Lusa agency.

The Ministry supervised by Helena Carreiras also adds that “regular contacts are maintained between the Ministry of National Defence and its Ukrainian interlocutors, with a technical visit by the logistical arm of the donor group to the place where the aircraft are parked last quarter. ”.

The six Kamov heavy firefighting helicopters without a license to operate in Portugal because they are of Russian origin are inoperable and are parked at Ponte de Sor airfield, Portalegre district.

The announcement of the sending of the Kamovs to Ukraine was made by Helena Carreiras in October 2022, a decision criticized, at the time, by Moscow, which considered it to be a “breach of its contractual obligations”.

Russian diplomacy considered that the Portuguese Government’s decision to send six Kamov firefighting helicopters to Ukraine, helping in the fight against the Russian invasion, is a “breach of contractual obligations” on the part of Lisbon, referring to the fact that are aircraft of Russian origin.

In June of this year, the Minister of Defence stated that preparations for sending the Kamovs were being planned.

Of the State’s six heavy helicopters, one has been in an accident since 2012, two others have been undergoing repairs since 2015 and the remaining three Kamov have been out of service since the beginning of 2018.

The Kamovs were acquired in 2006 by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, then led by the current Prime Minister, António Costa.

PJ dismantles criminal structure that exploited immigrants in Baixo Alentejo and arrests 28 people

Évora, 21 Nov 2023 (Lusa) – The Judiciary Police (PJ) today dismantled an organized criminal structure that was dedicated to exploiting immigrant workers in Baixo Alentejo, in an operation in which 28 people were arrested.

In a statement published on its website, the PJ indicated that the operation was launched by the National Counter Terrorism Unit of this police, within the scope of two investigations carried out by the Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DIAP) of Évora.

This police operation, he highlighted, took place in several cities and parishes in Baixo Alentejo and involved around 480 PJ operatives, who carried out 78 home and non-domestic search warrants.

According to the PJ, so far, 28 people have been arrested, outside of the act of committing a crime, who are suspected of being part of “a criminal structure dedicated to exploiting the labor of immigrant citizens” in Baixo Alentejo.

The majority of immigrant citizens were “enticed in their countries of origin, such as Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, India, Senegal, Pakistan, among others, to come and work on agricultural farms in that region of our country”, he noted.

According to the PJ, the suspects, of Portuguese and foreign nationality, are indicted for committing crimes of criminal association, human trafficking, aiding illegal immigration, obtaining illegal labor, extortion, money laundering, fraud tax, offenses against physical integrity, possession of a firearm and forgery of documents.

The Judiciary Police highlighted that, during the so-called “Operation Mirror”, several pieces of evidence were seized and dozens of victims were identified.

This operation had the collaboration of Social Security in referring victims in need of immediate social support and logistical support from the Portuguese Air Force.

The detainees will be present for the first judicial interrogation, on Wednesday, to apply possible coercive measures.