The Portuguese Judiciary Police (PJ) has launched a major investigation into former Infrastructure Minister Pedro Nuno Santos and his ex-Secretary of State Hugo Mendes, focusing on their roles in the controversial €500,000 indemnity paid to former TAP administrator Alexandra Reis in 2022. This case has sparked widespread attention due to allegations of political interference and potential criminal activity.
Searches Conducted at TAP and Law Firm
As part of the inquiry, dubbed "Operation Cheque In", authorities executed search warrants at TAP's offices and the SRS Legal law firm, founded by Pedro Rebelo de Sousa, brother of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The PJ confirmed that 20 inspectors and forensic experts, along with prosecutors and an investigative judge, are involved in the operation. César Sá Esteves, the lawyer who advised TAP during the indemnity process, was named as an instrumental arguido to bypass professional secrecy laws, allowing access to confidential communications.
Focus on Political Decisions
At the heart of the investigation are the political authorizations given by Pedro Nuno Santos and Hugo Mendes that permitted TAP to make the hefty payment to Alexandra Reis. Their former chiefs of staff, Maria Barbosa de Araújo and Teresa Lacerda Brandão, are also under scrutiny. The PJ has formally requested the Secretary-General of the Government to provide access to emails and other electronic communications exchanged between these officials in 2022, aiming to uncover evidence of possible crimes, including abuse of power, economic participation in business, and harmful administration.
Background of the Case
The indemnity payment was deemed illegal by the General Inspectorate of Finances (IGF) for violating public manager statutes, leading to the dismissal of TAP's CEO and chairman. Despite this, the IGF absolved political figures, citing a 1933 law that placed responsibility on TAP. The case was previously investigated by a parliamentary committee and an IGF audit, with findings forwarded to the Public Prosecutor's Office. Alexandra Reis has since returned part of the payment, and TAP faced fines for disclosure failures.
Reactions and Developments
Pedro Nuno Santos and Hugo Mendes declined to comment on the recent developments. SRS Legal confirmed the searches, emphasizing full cooperation with authorities. The investigation highlights ongoing concerns about governance and accountability in state-owned enterprises, coinciding with the publication of TAP's privatization tender documents.
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!