Coordinated Police Action Unfolding at 50 Locations
A massive police operation led by the Judicial Police (PJ) and overseen by the Central Department of Investigation and Criminal Action unfolded across approximately 50 locations in the Region. Notably, this operation included a search at the residence of Miguel Albuquerque, the President of the Regional Government.
Search Warrant At Albuquerque’s Apartment
The leader of the Madeiran executive stayed at home, missing scheduled official appointments. At 9 am, PJ inspectors, accompanied by a magistrate from the Public Ministry, executed a search warrant at Miguel Albuquerque's apartment on Monumental Road, situated in the hotel zone of Funchal. This action is part of a broader mega-operation that involves around a hundred judicial and law enforcement personnel.
Focus on Pestana Group And Associates
The focus of the investigation revolves around a potentially questionable connection with the Pestana group, which includes Cristiano Ronaldo among its partners and owns hotels such as Pestana CR7 Funchal. The specific concern centers on the sale of a farm owned by Miguel Albuquerque to a Lisbon-based real estate fund in 2017 for 3.5 million euros, as reported by CNN.
The investigation suspects Albuquerque's participation in this fund that acquired the property of the farm – and that the 3.5 million euros were compensation paid in corrupt acts.
Roots of The Investigation
The roots of the investigation trace back two years, and in March 2021, the PJ had previously conducted a search at the residence of the President of the Regional Government. The property in question, known as Quinta do Arco or das Rosas, had been leased to the Pestana group for tourist purposes. Interestingly, this coincided with the renewal of the concession of the Madeira Free Trade Zone to the Pestana group. The unfolding details point to a complex and ongoing inquiry involving key figures and significant real estate transactions.
Source: Diário de NotÃcias Madeira
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