NEWS DESK: Portuguese authorities have arrested 15 more police officers suspected of torturing and abusing vulnerable people, including migrants. This brings the total number of officers under investigation to 24. They face charges of aggravated torture, rape, abuse of power, and aggravated assault.
The arrests took place on Tuesday during a widening investigation into what local media calls the “rat squad” case. Investigators conducted 30 searches at various locations, including two police stations in Lisbon. The alleged crimes are believed to have happened between 2024 and 2025.
Most of the victims were undocumented migrants, homeless people, or drug users. Local reports suggest the investigation could eventually involve as many as 70 officers from different stations. Some of these officers may hold high ranks within the police force.
One civilian was also detained during the operation. Authorities are investigating whether those arrested directly committed the acts or simply failed to report them. Some evidence includes videos and messages shared within a private WhatsApp group used by the officers.
Portugal’s Minister of Internal Administration, Luis Neves, stated that the arrested officers may have been involved in deviant behavior. This is not the first time Portuguese police have faced such accusations. Last year, 11 officers were arrested for human trafficking and migrant exploitation.
Police Director Luis Carrilho emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct. He stated that citizens should continue to trust the police. However, Amnesty International expressed concern, noting that messages between suspects showed an enormous sense of impunity.
One specific officer has been accused of 29 different crimes, including torture and rape. A court has ordered the suspects to remain in custody to prevent them from tampering with evidence or continuing criminal activity. Source: Euronews and Reuters
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