DCIAP asset seizures in Portugal exceed 573 million euros in 2025

Investigations by Portugal’s Central Department of Investigation and Criminal Prosecution (DCIAP) resulted in the seizure of assets valued at over 573 million euros in 2025. This represents a 261.87% increase compared to the 158.4 million euros seized in 2024, according to an official report from the Public Ministry.

The DCIAP requested intervention from the Asset Recovery Office in 15 investigations involving crimes such as corruption, subsidy fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering. Through classical and extended forfeiture instruments, the department recovered a global value of 278,268,023.50 euros, plus 90,148,950.90 dollars in patrimonial advantages accounted for in indictments.

While significant assets have been seized, the report notes challenges in the judicial phase, with only one judicial decision resulting in a loss to the state totaling 72,295.80 euros in 2025. However, one archived investigation led a judge to declare 3,861,428.84 euros as forfeited to the state due to its origins in corruption and money laundering.