Latest news and stories about immigrant exploitation in Portugal for expats and residents.
The first closing arguments took place this Wednesday.
Seven of the defendants received prison sentences of between three and nine years for exploiting immigrants in the Alentejo.
On 25 November the Judicial Police detained 17 people, including 10 GNR officers and one PSP officer, on suspicion of exploiting immigrants in the Alentejo.
The reading of the judgement had already been scheduled but was postponed because some defendants may not have been notified. The eight defendants face 30 offences and the Public Prosecutor's Office is seeking the acquittal of two of them.
The case involves 30 counts of human trafficking, as well as offences of facilitating illegal immigration, criminal association for facilitating illegal immigration, and money laundering.
Those accused of operating a human trafficking network are already on trial. They facilitated the arrival of immigrants in Portugal and kept them in degrading conditions without pay.
The Beja Court will start the trial on Monday for 35 defendants charged with crimes including human trafficking, criminal association, aiding illegal immigration, and money laundering, among others, for the alleged exploitation of immigrants in Alentejo.
A panel of judges acknowledged the lack of notification to the defendants and their respective representatives regarding the request for liquidation of inconsistent assets.
Police and military personnel detained on suspicion of exploiting immigrants in Alentejo have been released. Also in this newspaper, Donald Trump threatens to launch a ground attack on Venezuela soon.
The Inspectorate-General of Internal Administration has opened disciplinary proceedings against the eleven police officers involved in the operation concerning the exploitation of immigrants. The accused GNR officers reported for duty but were prevented from returning to work by command decision.
The 10 GNR soldiers detained on suspicion of exploiting immigrants in Alentejo, who were later released under a term of identity and residence (TIR), have returned to duty today, according to a source from the Guard.
The GNR soldiers who were arrested for the exploitation of immigrants in the Alentejo region have resumed their service.
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Ten guards from the National Republican Guard (GNR) and the Public Security Police (PSP) have been released from custody in connection with a case involving the exploitation of immigrants.
The GNR and PSP have been released from custody due to the absence of transcribed wiretaps in the case of immigrant exploitation, allowing them to continue their duties.
The other seven defendants are expected to learn about the coercive measures on Saturday. The Public Prosecutor's Office is requesting preventive detention.
A dozen defendants have been granted a Term of Identity and Residence, while the other seven will learn about the coercive measures on Saturday afternoon. The Public Prosecutor's Office is requesting preventive detention.
