Latest news and stories about preventive investigations in Portugal for expats and residents.
On 15 January 2026 the Public Prosecution Service (“MP”) published Attorney‑General’s Directive No. 1/2026 of 13 January, which sets out the rules applicable to the preventive actions provided for in Law No. 36/94 of 29 September (“Law 36/94”), which provides measures to combat corruption and economic crime and ...
Luís Rosa and Saragoça da Matta debate the new directive on preventive investigations. Centralisation within the DCIAP, new deadlines and the cooperation of entities under scrutiny are among the changes.
It will now be possible to investigate facts that have already occurred, and cooperation from the entities concerned is envisaged. The new rules are inspired by lessons learned from the Spinumviva and Pedro Nuno Santos cases.
A group of lawyers is advocating for the declaration of preventive investigations as unconstitutional, arguing against their legality.
