Portugal is conducting Operation Imergente, led by the Judiciary Police’s National Unit for Combating Corruption, with dozens of search warrants across Lisbon, Mafra, Oeiras, Amadora, and Coimbra to probe prevarication and economic participation in municipal and parish contracting.

The investigation focuses on alleged favors in awarding contracts and direct awards to companies linked to the Socialist Party, with sums reportedly exceeding 800,000 euros between 2016 and 2022.

PS secretary-general José Luís Carneiro said the party is cooperating with authorities and stressed that the probe targets individuals, not the party as an institution.

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Duarte Moral, a PS spokesman and close ally of the party leadership, is among the detainees, according to CNN Portugal.

Three people have already been detained in connection with the investigation.

Many detainees are reported to be closely linked to the Portuguese Socialist Party, which sits at the center of the case.

One detainee is connected to long-standing benefits from direct contracts awarded by socialist-run municipalities.

Detained individuals are to be presented at Lisbon’s Central Criminal Court for initial questioning, with the inquiry run by the Lisbon Regional DIAP.

Suspects are expected to face potential pre-trial detention as the case proceeds in the Central Criminal Instruction Court in Lisbon.

Publico published the report on May 28, 2026, with references to the print edition and opinion section.