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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