Political Espionage Allegations: Chega Calls for Investigation into Sensitive Data Leak

Chega Demands Accountability from Security Directors

The Chega party is set to summon Luís Neves, director of the Judicial Police (PJ), and the director of the Portuguese Intelligence Services (SIRP) to provide explanations in the Assembly of the Republic regarding the pen drive incident linked to Vítor Escária, former chief of staff of Prime Minister António Costa.

Details of the Case

The pen drive contained sensitive information, including the identities and personal data of hundreds of agents from the SIS, PJ, Strategic Information and Defense Service (SIED), and the Tax Authority (AT). This discovery was made during Operation Influencer in November 2023.

Serious Concerns Raised

André Ventura, leader of Chega, expressed that there is no plausible reason for a prime minister's chief of staff to possess such sensitive information, particularly regarding political opponents and other parties. He emphasized that only the prime minister should have access to such data for national security purposes, but not for political espionage.

Espionage Allegations

Ventura described the situation as a “blow to the rule of law,” raising serious suspicions of political and judicial espionage under Costa's government. He questioned whether the previous government utilized this information to gain favors or insights into political matters.

Calls for Transparency

Chega's inquiry aims to determine why these names were present in the prime minister's office and if they ever had access to opposition members' information. Ventura suggested that the names on the pen drive might belong to agents involved in investigations concerning former government officials, hinting at attempts to identify and control state personnel conducting important inquiries.

Accountability Demanded

Ventura insists that António Costa must explain the presence of this data within his office, regardless of his current roles, including being the President of the European Council. Meanwhile, Escária claims ignorance regarding the contents of the pen drive, asserting it was brought to São Bento Palace by his predecessor, Francisco André.

Ongoing Investigations

Escária was interrogated on Thursday at the Central Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DCIAP) as part of the inquiry into potential state secret violations stemming from Operation Influencer. The Attorney General, Amadeu Guerra, confirmed this to the press.