Portugal Justice Minister calls for oversight in Polícia Judiciária

Portuguese Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice has called for the effective implementation of control mechanisms within the Polícia Judiciária (PJ). Speaking at the institution's 81st anniversary in Lisbon, she emphasized that it is not enough for oversight structures to exist; they must actively function to identify weaknesses, prevent problems, and correct failures.

These remarks come amid an ongoing internal audit regarding the management of seized assets and public procurement processes. The audit specifically examines periods including the mandate of former PJ director and current Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves.

Additionally, the current director, Carlos Cabreiro, is under investigation following allegations of perjury and abuse of power related to court testimonies and illegal wiretapping in the Football Leaks case. Despite these investigations, the Minister stated that the prestige of the Polícia Judiciária remains intact and distinguished the institution's mission from the legal issues surrounding its leadership.