Car of Luís Neves was seized from drug trafficker "Xuxas", sentenced to 20 years
The Volkswagen Golf GTD used by the Minister of Internal Administration belongs to Rúben Oliveira, a trafficker sentenced at first instance. The transfer is considered "abusive and illegal" by the defence lawyer.
Minister uses vehicle seized from trafficker sentenced to 20 years in prison
Google News PT — Crime highlights a new controversy surrounding the Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves: the vehicle he uses was originally seized by the Judiciary Police from Rúben Oliveira, known as "Xuxas", one of Portugal's major drug traffickers.
The vehicle in question is a Volkswagen Golf GTD valued at 40,000 euros. According to TVI/CNN and Nascer do Sol, which broke the story, the car formally continues to belong to Oliveira, whose judicial case has not yet become final — the case is currently pending before the Court of Appeal, following conviction at first instance to 20 years in prison. Oliveira was arrested by the PJ in 2022.
Luís Neves requisitioned the vehicle from the police after taking office in Government, continuing the use he had already made of the car when he headed the PJ. The transfer, however, raises significant legal questions.
"Xuxas"'s lawyer confirmed to the same publications that his client was not informed that his vehicle had been handed over for government use, describing the situation as "abusive and illegal". Sources from the judicial sector heard by TVI/CNN differ on the legality of the transfer to the minister.
The proceedings relating to the Golf GTD have not been closed, which means that the definitive ownership of the property has not yet been legally determined. The use of a seized asset in pending proceedings by a Government member raises questions about the Judiciary Police's internal procedures in managing seized assets.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)