The Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) has seized a manuscript from a prisoner at the Caldas da Rainha prison, which investigators link to the Brazilian criminal organization known as the First Capital Command (Primeiro Comando da Capital or PCC). The document contains strict disciplinary instructions for members, including orders to silence witnesses and control family members. Experts emphasize that inter-police cooperation is vital to monitoring the group's activities in Portugal.
Police investigate PCC influence within Portuguese prisons
Saturday, 3 October 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.
The PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital or First Capital Command) is a major Brazilian criminal organization based in São Paulo. It is considered the largest criminal group in Brazil and has expanded its influence internationally, including into Portugal, through drug trafficking and money laundering operations.
