The Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) arrested a 36-year-old foreign national in the Greater Porto area for allegedly forging hundreds of lease agreements. Investigators believe the suspect created these fake documents to help other foreign citizens obtain proof of residence certificates from local parish councils, facilitating their legalization process through the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA). This is the second arrest linked to the ongoing investigation led by the Porto Public Prosecution Service (Ministério Público).
Man arrested for forging documents to aid illegal immigration
Tuesday, 22 September 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.
Residence permit renewal in Portugal is managed by AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo), which replaced the former SEF. Holders of temporary residence permits (autorização de residência) must apply for renewal before expiry, typically every one to two years depending on the permit type.
The renewal process requires proof of continued eligibility — such as employment, tax compliance, social security contributions, and accommodation. Applications are submitted through AIMA's online portal or in person at AIMA offices, though significant backlogs have led to long waiting times.
While a renewal application is pending, the applicant's existing permit (or proof of the renewal request) is generally accepted as legal authorization to remain in Portugal. Residents should apply well in advance of expiry and keep confirmation of their application as proof of legal status.
