PJ Judicial Police have arrested two employees of a museum in Lisbon on suspicion of issuing discounted or free tickets in situations not covered by the scheme, appropriating the amount paid by visitors.
The case involves crimes of embezzlement and computer forgery and, according to the statement released by the PJ, those arrested are a man and a woman.
Although the PJ investigation, through the National Anti-Corruption Unit, covers the period between March 2026 and today, police acknowledge, in the same statement, “that the illegal activity may date back to an earlier time, yet to be determined”.
The suspects, aged 48 and 61, “issued tickets and billing documents with discount or free admission categories, in situations not covered by the free admission scheme in force, unlawfully appropriating the amounts paid by museum visitors”, the PJ adds.
The arrests in Operation Free Pass were made as part of four search warrants – residential and non-residential – in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, with the participation of nine inspectors, four forensic specialists from the PJ and a prosecutor from the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The two suspects will also be brought before a judge for initial questioning and for respective ‘coercive measures’ (bail terms, to be decided).
Text: Lusa
Natasha Donn
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.