National Coach Museum employees detained for ticketing fraud

Two employees of the National Coach Museum in Lisbon have been detained by the Polícia Judiciária following an investigation into ticketing irregularities. The operation, dubbed ‘Free Pass’, targets suspected embezzlement and computer fraud.

The suspects, a man and a woman aged 48 and 61, are accused of issuing discounted or free tickets in unauthorized situations and misappropriating the funds paid by visitors. While the current investigation covers the period from March 2026 to the present, authorities suggest the illicit activity may date back further.

Museus e Monumentos de Portugal (MMP) confirmed it initiated the internal process after detecting the irregularities and is cooperating fully with the authorities. The institution expressed continued confidence in the museum’s director and its professional staff.