CHEGA considers parliamentary inquiry into Luís Neves’ mandates at PJ  – Portugal Resident

CHEGA leader André Ventura is considering calling for a parliamentary inquiry into Luís Neves’s eight years at the head of Portugal’s Polícia Judiciária, as prosecutors take direct control of an investigation involving a trailer seized during a major drug-trafficking operation.

Speaking before a meeting of CHEGA MPs and the party’s national leadership today, Ventura said there could be grounds for examining Neves’s tenure as PJ national director between 2018 and 2026.

“Yes, that is one of the things we are going to discuss,” he told reporters. “I want to speak to the MPs before speaking to you. I think there may be grounds for it.”

Ventura said “the right decisions” could prevent institutions from coming into conflict, but gave no further details before going into the meeting.

CHEGA has emerged as the party snapping most visibly at Neves’s heels as allegations and questions surrounding him have multiplied. The governing PSD and main opposition PS have so far remained surprisingly quiet over the controversy.

Latest developments concern  a large trailer seized by the PJ during Operation Pacoba, an investigation into large-scale drug trafficking. It was subsequently found at the premises of Construbarcelos, the company that carried out work at Neves’s private property in São Teotónio, in the municipality of Odemira.

According to an exclusive report by Expresso, the PJ identified indications of possible abuse of power and the unlawful removal or diversion of property held under official custody. The matter was reported to Prosecutor-General Amadeu Guerra, who ordered the opening of a formal investigation.

The Lisbon Regional Department of Investigation and Criminal Action, DIAP, is directing the inquiry and has decided not to delegate it to any criminal police body for the time being.

“The investigation is being conducted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of this department and will not, at this stage, be delegated to any criminal police authority,” the Prosecutor-General’s Office has confirmed to SIC.

Expresso reports that Neves, while serving as PJ national director, authorised the transfer of the trailer and signed documents connected to the process. Prosecutors must now determine whether any irregularity or criminal responsibility was involved.

The case follows separate questions over work carried out by Construbarcelos at the minister’s property. The company had previously performed work for the PJ while Neves led the force.

Odemira council said last week that it is examining the legality of construction at the São Teotónio property. According to the municipality, there is no record of a planning application or prior notification of building work covering the properties concerned.

Neves meanwhile has said he is “very satisfied” that an investigation has been opened and has promised to answer all questions “point by point” once he has gathered up all the necessary papers. 

The minister has referred to the recent stories swirling in the media as being attacks on his honour and dignity, “the most sacred values that anyone has”.

Source material: LUSA/ SIC Notícias/ Expresso