Tutti Frutti case: pre-trial hearing begins in Lisbon court
The Tutti Frutti proceedings, which include 59 defendants, have entered the pre-trial hearing phase at Monsanto Criminal Court. The indictment covers more than 400 crimes including corruption, abuse of authority, money laundering and trafficking in influence.
Tutti Frutti case: pre-trial hearing begins in Lisbon court
The pre-trial hearing phase of one of the country's largest corruption cases began this Tuesday at Monsanto Criminal Court in Lisbon. The case currently involves 59 defendants, a number that was reduced following the death of Fernando Braamcamp in April.
Initially, the Public Prosecution Service brought charges against 60 people in 2025. Braamcamp, who chaired the Parish Assembly of Areeiro, faced 39 accusations of passive corruption before his death.
The investigation covers more than four hundred unlawful acts, including corruption, abuse of authority, money laundering and trafficking in influence. According to the indictment, activists from two of Portugal's main political parties received favours in exchange for public contracts and agreements.
Among the most prominent names are Luís Newton, mayor of Estrela for the PSD, and Carlos Eduardo Reis, former Social Democratic deputy recently elected to the Braga district leadership.
The current phase serves for the investigating judge to analyse the arguments of the parties and determine whether there are sufficient grounds to remit the case for trial.
Fernando Medina, former mayor of the capital, was at one point investigated but ultimately was not charged. The investigation failed to demonstrate that the former president of Lisbon City Council had deliberately acted to benefit others involved.
The Public Prosecution Service demands the restitution of more than 580 thousand euros to the public treasury from 29 defendants. The most significant amount is directed at Sérgio Azevedo, former deputy and former leader of the PSD parliamentary group in Lisbon Municipal Assembly, from whom more than 123 thousand euros are being reclaimed.
Source: Correio da Manhã
Source: Correio da Manhã