Government official admits cash payments to builder who worked for the Judicial Police
Luís Neves delivered five thousand euros in cash to a contractor who carried out work on a property he owns in Alentejo. The same businessman provided services to the PJ when the minister headed that corporation.
Government official admits cash payments to builder who worked for the Judicial Police
The holder of the Internal Administration portfolio confirmed that he delivered five thousand euros in cash to a civil construction businessman to carry out renovations in a country residence he acquired in the municipality of Odemira. The professional in question previously executed various projects for the Judicial Police whilst the current government official held the highest position in that security force.
The news was first reported by Nascer do Sol, with the minister providing clarifications in interviews to several television stations and to Observador. Neves stated that he was making payments available to the contractor over weekends, designating the amounts as coverage of minor expenses and working capital.
Questioned about the absence of documents proving the transfers, the government official refused to present receipts or statements. On the Finance ministry portal, invoices totalling 27,483 euros appear associated with the minister's spouse's sole proprietorship company, amounts which the government official attributed solely to the purchase of construction materials.
Neves contends that he was unaware of the contractor during the period when the latter was contracted by the PJ, between 2019 and 2023. He assures that public contracting procedures were always followed and that the businessman did not benefit from any preferential treatment. According to the minister, the personal relationship with the builder developed only subsequently.
The businessman was the subject of an inquiry approximately eight years ago, related to suspicions of falsification of documents and fraudulent insolvency. The government official stated that he had no knowledge of these facts, adding that the criminal record was not detected by the Judicial Police's security checks.
Neves acknowledged that, in his current circumstance as a member of the executive, he would have proceeded differently, recognising the need for greater caution in relationships with suppliers who maintain business with the State. The Prime Minister was informed of the situation, with the minister reporting a response focused on continuing with government functions.
Source: Observador
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