# Portugal criminal asset seizure and legal scrutiny

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-criminal-asset-seizure-and-legal-scrutiny
> Updated: 2026-09-30T23:01:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Portugal’s Central Department of Investigation and Criminal Prosecution (DCIAP) reported a significant increase in asset seizures in 2025, with values exceeding 573 million euros. This figure represents a 261.87% rise from the 158.4 million euros seized in 2024. These investigations cover various crimes, including corruption, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering.

Despite the high volume of seizures, the Public Ministry noted challenges in the judicial phase, observing that only one judicial decision resulted in a state loss of 72,295.80 euros in 2025. However, one archived investigation led to the forfeiture of approximately 3.86 million euros due to its links to corruption and money laundering.

Parallel to these enforcement successes, the legal framework governing seized assets has faced criticism. Under Decreto-Lei n. º 11/2007, authorities can declare assets to have ‘operational utility,’ allowing the state to use items like vehicles and computers during ongoing proceedings. Critics argue this practice can lead to the deterioration of property and creates a conflict of interest, as the institutions benefiting from the use of the assets are also the ones responsible for declaring them useful.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Portugal asset seizure laws face criticism over temporary use

A legal regime in Portugal allows police to use seized assets for operational utility, raising concerns over property rights, asset devaluation, and a lack of independent oversight.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-asset-seizure-laws-face-criticism-over-temporary-use

### 2026-09-11: DCIAP asset seizures in Portugal exceed 573 million euros in 2025

Portugal's DCIAP seized over 573 million euros in assets in 2025, a 261.87% increase from 2024, targeting corruption, trafficking, and money laundering.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dciap-asset-seizures-in-portugal-exceed-573-million-euros-in-2025

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Cite as: Portugal criminal asset seizure and legal scrutiny. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portugal-criminal-asset-seizure-and-legal-scrutiny