# Elefante Branco exploitation investigation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/elefante-branco-exploitation-investigation > Updated: 2026-09-07T00:30:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: 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. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lisbon-investigation-targets-exploitation-at-elefante-branco ### 2026-08-17: 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elefante-branco-owner-released-amid-pimping-and-money-laundering-probe --- Cite as: Elefante Branco exploitation investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/elefante-branco-exploitation-investigation