The prosecutor general of the republic gives “special priority” to the investigation of economic crimes by politicians

The Attorney General of the Republic, Lucília Gago, recognizes the “special priority” of investigations related to alleged economic and financial crimes, such as corruption or peddling of influence, allegedly carried out by politicians and public leaders, according to the latest directive.

“Particular priority will be given to the investigation of crimes related to corruption, abuse of influence, theft and economic participation in business, including those committed by persons holding political or high government positions,” the website of the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGR) said in a directive published on Thursday.

The document, which combines into 16 pages of instructions for the implementation of the Law on Criminal Policy for 2023-2025, also establishes that in the context of corruption and economic and financial crime, it is necessary to “special attention to the risk associated with the growth in public funds allocated to combat economic crisis”, as well as “risks of abuse of specific flexibility regimes in public procurement procedures”.

The Prosecutor’s Office (PO)’s guidelines for the next two years also include “special attention” to the recovery of assets, both in terms of identification, location and seizure, and their possible distribution.

In this sense, “priority should be given to the use of benefit confiscation mechanisms,” and regional prosecutors general and district prosecutors’ offices should “develop measures to raise awareness and intensify” these asset recovery mechanisms.

Although this appears to be general guidance, Lucilia Gago believes that parliamentary magistrates should “take care to avoid the emergence of large-scale and complex processes” and also strengthen the direction of the investigation by defining the object of the investigation. investigation process and plan (if necessary, together with other criminal police authorities).

For other investigative priorities, such as domestic violence, the PIU requires, depending on the urgency of these processes, the collection of evidence, namely future statements, risk and damage assessments, and requests for victim protection and enforcement measures. for aggressors. In situations of egregious crime, summary judgment should also be considered.

With regard to human trafficking and assistance to illegal immigration, the directive reinforces the need to report to the Department of Central Investigation and Crime Prosecution (DCIAP) all inquiries on these matters. He also adds that district coordinators should promote procedures among social organizations, those who support immigrants, and the Office of Labor Conditions to more quickly identify and report these crimes.

Cybercrime is also among Lucilia Gago’s guidelines, noting that the deputy should, in cases of violation of victims’ privacy through online publications, resort to blocking online content, giving “particular priority to investigation” to protect victims. If warranted, coordination should also take place with the deputy responsible for the family and juvenile jurisdiction.

The PGR directive, dated November 2 but only now published, also states that in crimes committed against a public official or by an agent of the authority, “investigative competence should not be delegated to the appropriate criminal police authority and should always, as far as possible, be delegated to the appropriate authority criminal police.” , are carried out by MP magistrates. These requests must be reported to the General Directorate of Reintegration and Prison Services and the General Inspectorate of Internal Administration.