MP investigates alleged tax fraud involving Muran firefighters

The Ministry of State (MP) is investigating the alleged simulation of suspension and termination of employment contracts, which led to the alleged improper receipt of unemployment benefits involving Muran firefighters in the district of Évora.

In a statement published on the website of the Regional Attorney General’s Office of Évora, which was seen by Lusa on Tuesday, the deputy indicated that the investigation is being carried out by the Department of Investigation and Criminal Affairs (DIAP) of Évora.

As part of this investigation, “eight house searches and one search of persons not living at home were carried out on Monday, the last one at a fire station in the Muran municipality area,” can be read here.

The Murano Volunteer Firefighters are the only corporation in the Alentejo municipality.

“Facts are being investigated that may constitute a practice of tax fraud crimes (social security), which indicates that over a long period of time, the suspects have been simulating the suspension and termination of employment contracts,” the deputy said.

This alleged practice, he continued, “allowed for the improper receipt of unemployment benefits paid by Social Security.”

According to the deputy, the searches, which were carried out with the support of the Polish People’s Republic, “made it possible to collect important documentary and digital evidence to establish the facts.”

“The search was conducted under the chairmanship of a magistrate from the deputy, and a senior technician from the Institute of Social Security was also present,” he added.

The investigation continues under the direction of the Member of Parliament of the 1st Section of the DIAP Regional de Évora.

Lusa was contacted by the head of the fire department of Murão, Fábio Quintas, who forwarded any clarification on this matter to the leadership of the humanitarian association.

Lusa also tried calling the Alentejo Corporation landline, but it did not ring.