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Benavente

Santarém, Portugal

Latest news and stories from Benavente.

Municipalities in Santarém

Abrantes(66)Alcanena(7)Almeirim(17)Alpiarça(6)Benavente(52)Cartaxo(16)Chamusca(5)Constância(20)Coruche(16)Entroncamento(17)Ferreira do Zêzere(23)Golegã(5)Mação(12)Ourém(200)Rio Maior(29)Salvaterra de Magos(16)Santarém(193)Sardoal(3)Tomar(64)Torres Novas(45)Vila Nova da Barquinha(17)
Abrantes(66)Alcanena(7)Almeirim(17)Alpiarça(6)Benavente(52)Cartaxo(16)Chamusca(5)Constância(20)Coruche(16)Entroncamento(17)Ferreira do Zêzere(23)Golegã(5)Mação(12)Ourém(200)Rio Maior(29)Salvaterra de Magos(16)Santarém(193)Sardoal(3)Tomar(64)Torres Novas(45)Vila Nova da Barquinha(17)







  • Abrantes(66)
  • Alcanena(7)
  • Almeirim(17)
  • Alpiarça(6)
  • Benavente(52)
  • Cartaxo(16)
  • Chamusca(5)
  • Constância(20)
  • Coruche(16)
  • Entroncamento(17)
  • Ferreira do Zêzere(23)
  • Golegã(5)
  • Mação(12)
  • Ourém(200)
  • Rio Maior(29)
  • Salvaterra de Magos(16)
  • Santarém(193)
  • Sardoal(3)
  • Tomar(64)
  • Torres Novas(45)
  • Vila Nova da Barquinha(17)
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Featured stories

Doctors released following disability pension fraud investigation

📍 Benavente⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+3 more

A Lisbon judge has released three doctors, including a Benavente-based physician, following their detention in the 'Operation Relax' (Operação Relax) investigation. The suspects are accused of receiving illicit payments to facilitate disability pensions, though the court found no immediate grounds for continued detention. The investigation into the alleged Social Security (Segurança Social) fraud remains ongoing.

Parental leave (licença parental) in Portugal includes paid leave around childbirth that can be shared between parents plus a separate paternity quota, with eligibility usually tied to social‑security contributions or residency. Payments and administration go through Social Security (Segurança Social), so expat parents should check their contribution record, employment contract and register with Segurança Social to claim benefits and confirm exact leave length and pay rates.

3 sources →3 Jul
Doctors released following disability pension fraud investigation

Social Security suspends 182 fraudulent disability pensions

📍 Benavente⚖️ Legal🏛️ Government#fraud+2 more

The Social Security Institute (Instituto da Segurança Social or ISS) has suspended disability pension payments to 182 beneficiaries following an audit and a criminal investigation in Benavente. Authorities suspect a fraudulent scheme involving medical professionals who allegedly validated false disability claims, potentially saving the state 18.5 million euros. The Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) has launched an operation into the case, which reportedly involves several doctors.

The Social Security Institute (Instituto da Segurança Social) is the public agency that runs Portugal’s social security system, administering pensions, unemployment benefits, family support and local social services. It also coordinates emergency social responses through local offices and mobile teams — for example, the institute mobilized over 200 technicians after recent storms and supported 1,537 displaced people as of 14 February; residents affected should contact their local Social Security office or municipal authority for assistance.

Polícia Judiciária

The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. ​ Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. ​ Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.

3 sources →1 Jul
Social Security suspends 182 fraudulent disability pensions

Doctor investigated for alleged disability pension fraud

📍 Benavente⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+3 more

The Inspectorate-General of Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS) is investigating a doctor from Benavente suspected of charging 1,000 euros to facilitate fraudulent disability pensions. Beneficiaries of the scheme may face criminal charges and be required to return funds received improperly from the state.

IGAS is the Inspectorate-General for Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS), the government body that inspects and audits public and private health services, investigates complaints and can recommend sanctions or changes. After reported failures in emergency care, IGAS can open inquiries, publish findings and advise the Ministry or the SNS on corrective measures; residents and patients can also file complaints that IGAS may investigate.

3 sources →11 Apr
Doctor investigated for alleged disability pension fraud

Nurse arrested for sexual assault at Loures hospital

📍 Benavente⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+2 more

A 42-year-old Belgian nurse was arrested by the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) on suspicion of sexually assaulting an anaesthetised patient at the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital in Loures. The Nursing Association (Ordem dos Enfermeiros) has requested the suspect's identification from the Public Prosecutor's Office to initiate disciplinary proceedings.

What is the Judicial Police?

The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. ​ Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. ​ Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.

The Ordem dos Enfermeiros (Order of Nurses) is Portugal’s statutory professional body that registers and regulates nurses, sets professional standards, and handles discipline and professional conduct. Its warning about hiring limits matters because the Ordem represents the nursing workforce—restrictions on recruitment can worsen staff shortages and affect patient care, so expat nurses must be registered with the Ordem to practise and may be directly affected by any new hiring rules.

4 sources →10 Apr
Nurse arrested for sexual assault at Loures hospital

Recent stories

Chega councillor in Benavente declares 33.7 million euros in cryptocurrencies

📍 Santarém₿ Crypto🏛️ Government#investment+2 more

Frederico Colaço Antunes is one of the first Portuguese bitcoin investors and former president of RealFevr, a company that has since closed.

cmjornal.pt17 Jul
Chega councillor in Benavente declares 33.7 million euros in cryptocurrencies

Chega councillor in Benavente declares 33.7 million euros in cryptocurrencies

📍 Santarém🏛️ Government₿ Crypto#chega+2 more

Frederico Colaço Antunes, also known as Fred Antunes, was one of the first to invest in Bitcoin in Portugal, a bet that gave him 'wealth for ten lifetimes,' as he admitted to ECO in 2021. Since then, his life has changed: the former CEO of RealFevr, which has since closed, is now a Chega councillor.

eco.sapo.pt16 Jul
Chega councillor in Benavente declares 33.7 million euros in cryptocurrencies

Companhia das Lezírias signs company agreement with UGT

📍 Santarém💼 Work💶 Finance#labour-law+1 more

Companhia das Lezírias signed a new company agreement with UGT this Monday, which updates the working conditions for approximately 90 employees and sets a minimum entry-level salary of 950 euros. In a statement sent to Lusa, the public company notes that the agreement, which will come into effect after publication in the Bulletin...

eco.sapo.pt13 Jul
Companhia das Lezírias signs company agreement with UGT

Five-year-old drowns in family pool in Benavente

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🏖️ Daily Life#public-safety+1 more

A five-year-old girl has died after drowning in the swimming pool at her family home in Benavente, central Portugal, in a tragedy that comes amid a sharp increase in child/ The post Five-year-old drowns in family pool in Benavente appeared first on Portugal Resident.

portugalresident.com4 Jul
Five-year-old drowns in family pool in Benavente

Court suspends Benavente doctor suspected of facilitating pensions

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+1 more

The Central Criminal Investigation Court today suspended the Benavente doctor arrested on Wednesday by the Judiciary Police (PJ) on suspicion of receiving illicit funds to facilitate disability pensions.

rtp.pt3 Jul

Court suspends Benavente doctor suspected of facilitating pensions

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+1 more

The clinic doctor, who was released, is also prohibited from leaving Portugal and forbidden from contacting any parties involved in the case.

cnnportugal.iol.pt3 Jul
Court suspends Benavente doctor suspected of facilitating pensions

Court suspends Benavente doctor suspected of facilitating pensions

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+1 more

The doctor and an assistant are prohibited from contacting each other. The other two doctors arrested were released as the court considers there is no evidence of criminal activity.

publico.pt3 Jul

5 PM. Government activates European Civil Protection Mechanism

📍 Santarém🏛️ Government🌱 Environment#government-policy+2 more

The Prime Minister justifies the decision due to the high risk of wildfires in the country and guarantees that national capacity is not exhausted. Additionally, the doctor from Benavente suspected of facilitating pensions has been suspended from her duties.

observador.pt3 Jul
5 PM. Government activates European Civil Protection Mechanism

Social Security suspends 182 disability pensions following fraud in Benavente

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🏛️ Government#social-security+2 more

Four people were arrested and nine were named as formal suspects in Operation 'Relax', which is investigating qualified fraud against Social Security.

expresso.pt2 Jul
Social Security suspends 182 disability pensions following fraud in Benavente

The doctor of pensions

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+2 more

Everyone – doctors and pseudo-pensioners – should be subject to criminal liability.

cmjornal.pt1 Jul
The doctor of pensions

7 PM Benavente doctor case: more than 180 pensions suspended

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#pension-suspension+1 more

Update on the situation involving a doctor from Benavente, resulting in the suspension of over 180 pension payments.

rtp.pt1 Jul
7 PM Benavente doctor case: more than 180 pensions suspended

Social Security suspends payment of 182 pensions following alleged fraud in Benavente

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🏛️ Government#crime-report+1 more

The Social Security Institute (ISS) has suspended the immediate payment of disability pensions to 182 beneficiaries following an audit conducted as part of an investigation into alleged fraud in Benavente, the ISS revealed this Wednesday. In a response sent to Lusa regarding the arrest of doctors by the Judiciary Police (PJ) in connection with an alleged scheme...

eco.sapo.pt1 Jul
Social Security suspends payment of 182 pensions following alleged fraud in Benavente

Social Security suspends payment of 182 pensions

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🏛️ Government#social-security+2 more

The Social Security Institute has suspended the payment of almost all disability retirement pensions following fraud carried out by a doctor from Benavente.

observador.pt1 Jul
Social Security suspends payment of 182 pensions

Social Security suspends payment of 182 pensions following alleged fraud. Doctors arrested by the PJ

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal💶 Finance#crime-report+2 more

A doctor from Benavente charged around one thousand euros to facilitate disability pension applications

cmjornal.pt1 Jul
Social Security suspends payment of 182 pensions following alleged fraud. Doctors arrested by the PJ

Social Security suspends payment of 182 pensions following alleged fraud in Benavente

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🏛️ Government#crime-report+1 more

Four suspects were arrested, including three healthcare professionals

cnnportugal.iol.pt1 Jul
Social Security suspends payment of 182 pensions following alleged fraud in Benavente

Medical Association calls for more investigation and audits following alleged fraud in Benavente

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+2 more

The Medical Association acted as soon as it became aware of the situation, with the immediate opening of a disciplinary process, assured the president, Carlos Cortes.

cmjornal.pt1 Jul
Medical Association calls for more investigation and audits following alleged fraud in Benavente

Benavente doctor arrested for involvement in disability pension scheme

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+1 more

A doctor from Benavente who allegedly received illicit payments to facilitate disability pensions has been arrested, according to CNN Portugal. SIC Notícias reports that the Judicial Police (PJ) conducted searches this Wednesday in Santo Estevão, where the doctor had a practice, and that two other doctors were also arrested in connection with the case. CNN Portugal adds that an assistant was also detained. The case, exposed by SIC in April, involves an alleged scheme where the doctor would charge around one thousand euros to approve disability pension applications, having successfully enabled dozens of employees at a single public company, Carris, to retire on disability. Following the report, the Medical Association announced an inquiry, and the Health Regulatory Authority (IGAS) launched an inspection.

dn.pt1 Jul
Benavente doctor arrested for involvement in disability pension scheme

PJ conducts searches in the case of a Benavente doctor suspected of managing a scheme of fake disability pensions

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+2 more

Emuna Mia may be suspected of document forgery and corruption. Inspectors from the National Anti-Corruption Unit are searching for documents and other evidence.

cmjornal.pt1 Jul
PJ conducts searches in the case of a Benavente doctor suspected of managing a scheme of fake disability pensions

Benavente doctor arrested on suspicion of receiving improper payments to facilitate pensions

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+1 more

The Portuguese Medical Association had announced in April the opening of an inquiry into the doctor.

cnnportugal.iol.pt1 Jul
Benavente doctor arrested on suspicion of receiving improper payments to facilitate pensions

PJ conducts searches in the case of a Benavente doctor suspected of managing a scheme of fake disability pensions

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+1 more

Emuna Mia may be suspected of document forgery and corruption. Inspectors from the National Anti-Corruption Unit are searching for documents and other evidence.

cmjornal.pt1 Jul
PJ conducts searches in the case of a Benavente doctor suspected of managing a scheme of fake disability pensions

Benavente requests toll exemption due to roadworks

📍 Santarém🚇 Infrastructure🏛️ Government#public-transport

The municipality formalised the request last week. Rehabilitation works on the Marechal Carmona Bridge will reduce lanes for nearly three years, with no start date announced.

observador.pt29 Jun
Benavente requests toll exemption due to roadworks

GNR searches for group that committed assault at Benavente festivities

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🏖️ Daily Life#crime-report+1 more

Two victims were taken to Vila Franca Hospital with minor injuries.

cmjornal.pt28 Jun
GNR searches for group that committed assault at Benavente festivities

Group commits violent assault at Benavente festivities

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🏖️ Daily Life#crime-report+1 more

Two victims were taken to Vila Franca Hospital with minor injuries.

cmjornal.pt28 Jun
Group commits violent assault at Benavente festivities

Group commits violent assault at Benavente festivities

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🏖️ Daily Life#crime-report+1 more

Two victims were taken to Vila Franca Hospital with minor injuries.

cmjornal.pt28 Jun
Group commits violent assault at Benavente festivities

Júlia Palha shows off her new home and her friends' reaction to her wedding dress

📍 Santarém🎭 Culture#entertainment+1 more

The actress is set to tie the knot this coming Saturday in Benavente with Frederico Porém Murta.

cmjornal.pt24 May
Júlia Palha shows off her new home and her friends' reaction to her wedding dress

Maria João Bastos: “I used to watch Brazilian soap operas with my father, but it felt unattainable. I thought of him the first time I stepped into the Globo studios: 'I'm here, Dad'”

📍 Santarém🎭 Culture#entertainment+1 more

Actress Maria João Bastos is the guest of Daniel Oliveira on the Alta Definição podcast. Known for bringing complex and intense characters to life, such as Marta in the soap opera “Páginas da Vida”, the actress confesses that “villains are always very challenging characters”

expresso.pt25 Apr
Maria João Bastos: “I used to watch Brazilian soap operas with my father, but it felt unattainable. I thought of him the first time I stepped into the Globo studios: 'I'm here, Dad'”

Three injured in two-vehicle collision in Benavente

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#public-safety+1 more

One of the victims was transported by helicopter to São José Hospital.

Correio da Manhã17 Apr
Three injured in two-vehicle collision in Benavente

Major distractions

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#crime-report+1 more

The doctor and her patients should be held accountable, just like those who are distracted.

Correio da Manhã15 Apr
Major distractions

We do not need the politicians' trust for anything

📍 Santarém🩺 Health⚖️ Legal#medical-services+1 more

The Portuguese Medical Association, the IGAS and the Public Prosecutor's Office (who are investigating the doctor from Benavente), the UGT (which did not show good faith), and Ana Abrunhosa (who does not understand journalism) are the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Observador13 Apr
We do not need the politicians' trust for anything

Pensioners complicit in doctor's fraud against the NHS face prison

📍 Santarém⚖️ Legal🩺 Health#fraud+2 more

A doctor who guaranteed disability pensions has reportedly travelled to Mozambique, from where she cannot be extradited. Disability pensioners who faked symptoms or illnesses face up to 8 years in prison.

Correio da Manhã11 Apr
Pensioners complicit in doctor's fraud against the NHS face prison