The Tribunal da Relação de Lisboa has ruled that there are “strong indications” of corruption-related crimes in the investigation involving Ex-Mayor of Funchal Pedro Calado, Avelino Farinha and Custódio Correia. The decision, reported by Diário de Notícias, partly overturns an investigating judge’s ruling from February 2024, which had dismissed some of the suspected crimes for lack of sufficient indications. According to the higher court, the case now contains enough evidence for several accusations to remain under judicial review. The ruling says one suspect is linked to three crimes involving the undue receipt or offer of advantage, one crime of passive corruption and one crime of aggravated tax fraud. A second suspect is associated with one crime involving the undue receipt or offer of advantage, while a third suspect is linked to one crime of active corruption. The judges stressed that “strong indications” do not amount to convictions, but only mean the investigation may continue through the judicial process. They also decided not to apply stricter coercive measures, leaving only the “termo de identidade e residência” in force for the three suspects.
