Criminal Judge Pedro Miguel Vieira decided on Friday evening to release nine of the twelve suspects detained by the PSP for the Grand Porto house scam.
The judge’s decision came after prosecutors, using coercive measures, requested preventive detention for only three suspects who are still in custody. These are two men and a woman.
For the remaining defendants who were released, the prosecutor’s office demanded periodic appearances, bail, or indication of time and place of residence. The enforcement action is due to be announced this Saturday.
This is a scam in which the suspects reportedly received around 250,000 euros. They used photographs of local housing to create false advertisements. They then advertised the houses as if they owned them and were available for medium to long term rentals.
PSP has already identified 140 cases of fraud. Most of the victims are from Africa or South America.