Sham marriage investigations reach record high

Saturday, 23 May 2026AI summary

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Sham marriage investigations reach record high — Photo: dn.pt

The Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) opened a record 177 investigations into sham marriages in 2025, a significant increase from previous years. Authorities report that the rise follows the 2024 abolition of the expression of interest mechanism, which previously allowed foreign nationals to obtain residency through tax contributions. Criminal networks are reportedly recruiting vulnerable Portuguese individuals via social media to participate in these fraudulent unions.

Context & Explainers

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.