This Tuesday, searches will take place in and outside homes related to home delivery of food. We are talking about the initiation of criminal proceedings on suspicion of qualified fraud and social security fraud. The state will suffer damages in excess of €28 million in terms of VAT, and the amount corresponding to social security contributions has not yet been determined.
According to the press release, 65 search warrants are currently being conducted, including 31 searches at the home and 14 searches outside the home.
CNN Portugal reports that Uber’s headquarters in Lisbon have been the subject of searches carried out by the Tax Office in coordination with the Ministry of Public Administration and Social Security. The search is also accompanied by several members of the Republican National Guard (NR). Access to the building was closed to employees. We can talk about the fleet of couriers is linked to Uber Eats, connecting drivers with restaurants.
According to a company statement confirming these measures, “Uber is not the target of their attack. We are cooperating with the authorities and providing all information requested.”
The investigation is the responsibility of the Department of Central Investigation and Crime (DCIAP), with four magistrates from the government ministry directly involved in Operation Express.
The investigations will continue taking into account the analysis of the large volume of seized evidence.