Fifteen charged in major illegal immigration fraud scheme
The Public Prosecution Service (Ministério Público) has charged 15 individuals and six companies for running a network that facilitated illegal immigration. The group allegedly created fraudulent Social Security (Segurança Social) records to help over 2,000 foreign citizens obtain work visas and residency. Those awaiting residency should ensure their documentation is handled by reputable legal professionals to avoid involvement in such schemes.
The Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público) is the independent body that leads criminal investigations and represents the state in court. It gets involved in cases like a long-delayed INEM response because it can order autopsies, investigate potential criminal negligence or procedural failures, and decide whether to bring charges or recommend disciplinary action.
