Benfica SAD confirms being charged in Offside case

Benfica SAD has confirmed that it has been named as a defendant in the “Offside” process, which focuses on allegations of fraud and money laundering involving player contracts and transfers worth 58 million euros.

“Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol, SAD confirms that (…) it was drawn up as arguida in a process that is kept secret from justice,” reads a statement posted on the Lisbon club’s website.

The organization emphasized that “it has expressed its full readiness and openness to cooperate with the competent authorities, as it has always happened so far.”

Sporting SAD have also confirmed that he is named as a defendant in a process involving various signings and transfers of players that took place between 2015 and 2017.

More than 60 searches on Wednesday targeted Benfica, Porto and Sporting CP, as well as legal and accounting offices and several residences, in an operation aimed at suspecting €58 million in fraud and money laundering.

According to a note published by the Central Directorate of Investigation and Criminal Affairs (DCIAP), the actions are being carried out in the areas of Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Viana do Castelo, Aveiro and Setubal and are investigating facts that took place between 2014 and 2022, in which “there are indications of illegal property, tax and social benefits totaling more than 58 million euros.”

The investigation that led to the operation addresses “suspicions of qualified tax fraud, social security fraud and money laundering offenses related to the establishment or renewal of sports contracts, commission payments and financial schemes involving intermediaries in these businesses. , as well as the use of rights to the image.

Approximately 250 people attend the events, including Internal Revenue Service (IA) inspectors, Republican National Guard (NR) soldiers, Public Administration prosecutors, judges, and representatives of the Bar Association.

The DCIAP-led investigation also involves the Large Taxpayer Division and AT’s Office of Fraud Investigation and Special Action Services, as well as the GNR Tax Action Division.

The searches have already been confirmed to Luce by official sources from Benfica and Sporting, who assured that the two clubs cooperated with the authorities. Meanwhile, FC Porto has also released a statement confirming searches have been carried out at its facilities and assuring that it is ready to “provide all requested elements”.