26 defendants for tax fraud in the automotive sector

The Public Prosecutor's Office has charged 11 individuals and 15 companies with crimes including organized crime, tax fraud, and money laundering related to vehicle sales. The criminal activities spanned from 2021 to 2025, yielding nearly 5.8 million euros in illicit gains. The accused allegedly used five companies to simulate vehicle transactions, masking the true nature of their operations, which involved importing vehicles from abroad for sale in Portugal. The prosecution claims that false invoicing was employed to evade taxes on these sales. Additionally, one defendant is accused of laundering the proceeds through fake payments and documents. Some defendants are under preventive detention, while others face bail and travel restrictions.