Tax office chief suspended in illegal immigration investigation

Monday, 13 July 2026AI summary

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Tax office chief suspended in illegal immigration investigation — Photo: Portugal Resident

A tax office head has been suspended from duty following an arrest during the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) operation 'Atlantic Fog'. The investigation centers on an alleged network involved in the false registration of thousands of immigrants. While the official was not remanded in custody, he is prohibited from contacting co-defendants and entering his former workplace.

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.