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2 clusters · 5 sources · 21 days · First seen · Last updated

Elefante Branco exploitation investigation

Overview

The Portuguese Public Ministry is investigating a criminal network operating through the Lisbon nightclub Elefante Branco and an associated pension. Prosecutors have filed charges against 12 individuals, alleging pimping and money laundering involving millions of euros in profits. The investigation suggests that hundreds of women were exploited at these locations between 2019 and 2025.

Luís Torres, the 63-year-old owner of the establishment, was released from preventive detention due to excessive time served. The case has implicated several high-profile clients, including a former official from the Sporting football club, a police officer from the Intervention Unit, and a television presenter. Court documents and intercepted communications suggest that VIP services were used to pre-select women for sexual encounters. While the former football official denies having sexual relations at the venue, claiming he only paid for drinks, he was reportedly observed by police during surveillance operations. The nightclub closed its doors last year.

Entities

Luis Torres · Elefante Branco · Portuguese Public Security Police · Sporting CP · Ministério Público

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [CRIME] 5 sources
    Lisbon investigation targets exploitation at Elefante Branco

    Portuguese prosecutors have charged 12 people in an investigation alleging the exploitation of hundreds of women at a Lisbon establishment and pension between 2019 and 2025.

  2. 26 days ago

    [CRIME] 3 sources
    Elefante Branco owner released amid pimping and money laundering probe

    Portuguese prosecutors have charged 12 people, including nightclub owner Luís Torres, in a massive pimping and money laundering investigation involving the former Lisbon venue Elefante Branco.

Sources

cmjornal.pt · cmjornal.xl.pt · correiodamanha.pt · correiomanha.pt · dioguinho.pt