On Friday, it was announced that the PNP had arrested two men on suspicion of stealing pallets and boxes used as product containers, causing losses of half a million euros to several companies in the Greater Lisbon area.
An official GNR source explained to Lusa that the two men “had professional connections” with these companies and took advantage of these relationships to plan a “scheme” to “divert and sell containers (pallets and boxes)” from multinational companies in the retail industry with the help of others employees.
Over the course of a year, they “misappropriated” these materials, causing damage to several companies “in the region of half a million euros.”
The same source added that illegal practices could lead to “increased cost of products in markets as [a aquisição de novo vasilhame] has an impact on the supply chain.”
Two men, aged 47 and 26, were arrested on Tuesday in Alenquera, Lisbon district, on suspicion of breach of trust and theft based on a complaint.
GNR also carried out a search of the house, three in the vehicle and two in the warehouse, finding and confiscating several thousand pallets of various models, almost four thousand folding boxes, three pallets, eight plastic storage bins, €500 in cash, two cell phones and various documents.
The suspects have been charged and the investigation continues.