The Attorney General's Office (Procuradoria-Geral da República or PGR) has received a formal complaint against the national director of the PJ, Carlos Cabreiro. The complaint, filed by a PJ coordinator, alleges abuse of power and illegal wiretapping during the Football Leaks investigation. Minister of Justice Rita Júdice has stated she maintains confidence in the director, who denies any wrongdoing.
PJ Director faces complaint over alleged illegal wiretapping
Thursday, 27 August 2026AI summary
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.
Carlos Cabreiro is the national director of the Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ), the agency responsible for investigating serious crimes in Portugal. He has held this leadership role since April 2024, succeeding Luís Neves.
8 sources
- National Director of the PJ reported for abuse of powerdn.pt ·
- Minister of Justice maintains confidence in the PJ directorcmjornal.pt ·
- Public Prosecutor's Office received a complaint against the director of the Judiciary Policertp.pt ·
- PJ director targeted by complaint over illegal wiretappingobservador.pt ·
- Prosecutor-General's Office receives complaint against Judiciary Police directoreco.sapo.pt ·
- Public Prosecutor's Office received a complaint against the Judiciary Police directorpublico.pt ·
- PJ Director guarantees he did not lie in the Football Leaks casecnnportugal.iol.pt ·
- PJ Director denies lying in courtdn.pt ·
