Portuguese police are investigating IT service contracts in a corruption probe, conducting 75 searches, including at the Bank of Portugal, which is cooperating with authorities.
Portuguese police conducted raids on Thursday at the offices of multiple public institutions as part of a corruption investigation concerning the procurement of information technology services. Among the locations searched was the Bank of Portugal, which confirmed its involvement in the operation.
In a statement, police said they carried out 75 searches across Lisbon, Porto, and Braga, including at private residences, accountancy firms, company headquarters, and public institutions. The investigation focuses on employees rather than senior public officials.
The Bank of Portugal acknowledged being among the entities targeted and stated that it was fully cooperating with the inquiry.
According to police, the searches relate to IT service contracts awarded by several public entities and a private company between 2017 and 2025. The investigation concerns suspected offences including bribery, document forgery, fraud, and influence peddling.
Authorities stated that those under investigation formed a network that, through coordinated efforts, influenced numerous public and private procurement processes, with an estimated total value of no less than €17 million (£14.5 million).
Police emphasised that the operation aimed to gather information related to employees within these organisations and did not target political decision-makers.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 4th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
BP Chair Helge Lund intends to step down "likely during 2026" and the process to pick his successor has started, the energy group said on Friday amid a campaign by activist hedge fund Elliott for more change at the company.
The Israeli military said on Friday it had killed Hassan Farhat, a commander of Palestinian militant group Hamas, in the Sidon region of southern Lebanon.
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva issued a stark warning on Thursday, cautioning that the latest tariff measures announced by US President Donald Trump could deepen economic uncertainty and threaten global growth.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has expanded its ground operations in northern Gaza today. The military stated that the operations aim to widen Israel’s buffer zone along the Gaza border.
The UAE has welcomed a new agreement between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan to form a shared border point and sign the Khujand Declaration, expressing hope it will boost peace, cooperation, and development in Central Asia.
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