PSP officer and Air Force serviceman among 37 detained for hate crimes
According to the PJ (Judiciary Police), the detainees include suspects with extensive criminal records and links to international hate groups. Mário Machado, a well-known neo-Nazi who is serving a sentence for similar crimes, is considered the leader of this group — he gives instructions from prison. Among those arrested are individuals linked to Group 1143, a radical faction of the Juventude Leonina supporters' group.
PJ raids neo‑Nazi cell, dozens arrested nationwide
The Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária) launched a large‑scale operation across Portugal targeting the far‑right group known as “1143”, carrying out some 65 searches and detaining more than 30 people on charges including incitement to hatred, assault and criminal association. Media outlets report extensive seizure of neo‑Nazi material and say suspected cells linked to Mário Machado were among those targeted; one report gives a higher total of 37 detainees. Police framed the operation as a national effort to stop hate crimes against immigrants and the counterterrorism unit took part in the raids. Residents, particularly immigrant communities, should follow official PJ statements and local policing updates as the case moves to potential prosecutions or further detentions.
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.
PJ conducts searches in investigation of hate crimes against immigrants
On Tuesday, searches are under way at dozens of locations across the country. The operation concerns crimes of discrimination and incitement to hatred against immigrants.
