Suspects of corruption in the Porto City Council remain silent

Sixteen defendants, including municipal officials and companies, face corruption charges for expediting construction processes in exchange for bribes. During the first hearing at São João Novo Court in Porto, the defendants opted not to testify. Three urban planning officials requested to skip future sessions due to professional obligations, which was granted. The prosecution alleges that these officials provided privileged treatment and information in twelve urban planning cases for personal gain. The total illicit assets linked to twelve defendants amount to €12.3 million, which the state seeks to confiscate. This case is connected to the Babel Operation, involving corrupt practices in urban licensing in Vila Nova de Gaia, where a former vice-president was sentenced to prison.