Portuguese Police Crack Down on Residency Permit Scam

Portuguese police have arrested 13 individuals believed to have facilitated over 10,000 foreigners obtaining residence permits fraudulently. The operation involved bribes averaging 15,000 euros and included a foreign ministry employee. The case highlights Portugal's ongoing immigration challenges amid a broader European context of tightening immigration rules.

In a major crackdown, Portuguese police have arrested 13 individuals linked to a fraudulent scheme where bribes facilitated fake residence permits for more than 10,000 foreigners, the police reported on Thursday.

The suspects, including a lawyer, a foreign ministry employee, and several entrepreneurs, allegedly accepted bribes averaging 15,000 euros to issue bogus labor contracts that enabled foreigners to secure residence permits, open bank accounts, and access social security benefits. Many beneficiaries of this scheme have since migrated to other European Union nations, the authorities noted.

This incident comes against a backdrop of stricter immigration measures in Portugal, as the center-right government aims to address illegal immigration. Meanwhile, the political climate is poised for change with the upcoming early election, where anti-immigration sentiment could influence the outcome.

(With inputs from agencies.)