Lisbon, Feb. 4, 2026 (Lusa) - Nine people were arrested for money laundering, fraud and extortion in an operation to dismantle an organisation that recruited people to lend their bank accounts for corporate fraud, a scheme that resulted in losses of over €250,000.
According to Portugal's criminal investigation police agency, the "Guita Fácil" operation involved 16 house searches in Lisbon, Vila Franca de Xira and Carregado, and was launched on Tuesday by the National Unit for Combating Cybercrime and Technological Crime.
The criminal organisation is responsible for money laundering, aggravated fraud, computer forgery and extortion.
Between August and September 2024, the nine detainees, aged 21 to 26, recruited several people who provided their bank account details to receive money from fraudsters in exchange for compensation.
The companies affected, based abroad, were contacted by alleged suppliers, using falsified email addresses identical to those of the real suppliers, who requested payment of outstanding invoices to bank accounts domiciled in Portugal and recruited by the suspects.
To date, according to Portugal's criminal investigation agency (PJ), the loss to companies is estimated at more than €250,000.
As part of this investigation, the PJ also found that the suspects coerced one of the victims into handing over money and other goods under threat of physical violence.
Following this operation, Portugal's criminal investigation agency is appealing to the public never to give their bank account details to third parties, as they may be held criminally liable for offences such as money laundering.
It also warns that "easy job offers" involving the receipt and dissipation of money may be criminal schemes and advises anyone approached with such an offer to report the case.
Money laundering is a serious crime, punishable by up to 12 years in prison.
As for companies, Portugal's criminal investigation police agency, PJ, warns that they should always confirm any changes to bank details communicated by email by telephone and make all employees aware of this type of fraud.
SO/ADB // ADB.
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