Judicial Police investigates major fraud involving alleged purchases of national companies
Investigators have identified a 43-year-old man as the suspected mastermind of a scheme that defrauded a Spanish company of approximately 50 million euros. The amount was transferred to Portugal and concealed in accounts held by companies.
Judicial Police investigates major fraud involving alleged purchases of national companies
The Judicial Police is investigating the circumstances of a large-scale fraud that caused losses estimated at approximately 50 million euros to a company based in Spain. The affected entity belongs to the Zurich insurance company group, whilst Banco Santander is also involved in the operation, as reported by Correio da Manhã.
The scheme originated from contact made through the WhatsApp application, where proposals were presented for the acquisition of Portuguese companies with strategic status. The manager of the affected company, Cláudio Chiesa, ultimately authorised a substantial transfer, believing in the legitimacy of the commercial transaction.
The diverted funds arrived in Portugal divided into several tranches. Subsequently, they were concealed in bank accounts registered under the designation of business entities, in a money-laundering operation. Judicial Police inspectors located the alleged architect of the operation, a 43-year-old individual. The criminal proceedings also involve ten other suspects who are believed to have had different roles in carrying out the unlawful scheme.
The investigation continues under the charge of the Judicial Police, with the aim of determining the full extent of financial flows and the responsibility of each of the individuals involved in the scheme.
Source: Correio da Manhã