Miguel Arruda Denies Theft Allegations Amid Vinted Account Speculations

Miguel Arruda, the former Chega deputy suspected of stealing luggage at airports, continues to assert his innocence. In a recent interview, he claimed that the evidence against him might be manipulated by artificial intelligence. This case has already led to his departure from Chega and his current status as an independent deputy.

The Luggage Controversy

Arruda admitted to possessing some luggage but explained that he used them to transport goods purchased online from platforms like Vinted, AliExpress, Shein, and Temu for his family in the Azores. He acknowledged that four bags were seized in the Azores and three at his home in Lisbon. Interestingly, he mentioned having two bags in Parliament but later retracted that statement.

The Vinted Account Mystery

When questioned about a Vinted account under the username miguelarruda84, he neither confirmed nor denied ownership, although he did confirm his birth year, 1984. According to reports, the email linked to this account matches the one he provided to Chega. The profile picture is taken at a chapel in the Azores, where Arruda resides.

He speculated that if he did create an account, it was likely to sell some of his clothes, stating, "I think I bought more than I sold". He even suggested the account might belong to his wife, who he believes might use Vinted for entertainment.

Surveillance Footage Claims

Regarding surveillance footage that allegedly shows him in a suspicious scenario, Arruda suggested that such images could be manipulated. He remarked, "With new technologies, there could be AI-generated images demonstrating this". Arruda hinted that the case could be politically motivated due to his criticisms of established interests in the country.