Portuguese national arrested for US election fraud

Paulo Silva, a 54-year-old Portuguese national residing legally in Pennsylvania, has been detained by US authorities for crimes related to the 2024 elections. Silva is among 16 individuals indicted by the Department of Justice for election fraud.

According to the Department of Justice, Silva is accused of 'foreign voting.' Although he is a legal resident, he is not permitted to vote in US elections. The investigation follows reports that he approached a polling station to cast a ballot.

Under US law, Silva faces a potential year in federal prison, a fine of approximately 90,000 euros (100,000 dollars), and deportation. The arrests occurred in electoral districts where Donald Trump did not win.