Cyberattack Disrupts Refrigeration at Portuguese Supermarkets
A cyberattack hit cooling and refrigeration systems at seven Intermarché supermarkets in Portugal, forcing temperatures to rise in food storage units. The incident targeted an external technical contractor that manages refrigeration infrastructure across Europe, where stores in Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands suffered similar disruptions. The Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) launched an investigation to establish whether the domestic incident is part of the coordinated European attack wave.

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.

























