PJ detains couple suspected of fraud during the pandemic

The Polícia Judiciária arrested a foreign couple in Sintra, wanted in the UK for fraud and money laundering during the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspects, aged 41 and 42, allegedly exploited government subsidies intended for employers and workers, submitting over 300 fraudulent claims totaling more than £1.5 million. The funds were deposited into bank accounts controlled by the couple. They are also accused of possessing criminally obtained assets and face a potential 14-year prison sentence. Following their arrest, they were presented for an initial hearing at the Lisbon Court of Appeal, which ordered their preventive detention and extradition.