Immigrants report widespread document fraud to Judicial Police
Hundreds of immigrants, primarily from Nepal, have filed complaints with the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) regarding forged criminal record certificates (Certificado de Registo Criminal). The Nepalese embassy estimates at least 2,000 victims were scammed by companies promising legal documents for residency applications. Visa holders should note that AIMA has already identified nearly 3,000 applications with fraudulent stamps, which could lead to expulsion.
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.
