Praia, Aug. 1, 2025 (Lusa) - Authorities in Cabo Verde have seized and taken legal custody of 21 apartments and two commercial establishments, valued at €2.7 million, on the island of Sal, in a European investigation into fraud and money laundering that also involved Portugal, it was announced on Friday.

The searches were carried out on Tuesday on the island of Sal, in homes and businesses. One official suspect was questioned. Real estate was seized, including 21 apartments and two shops in a building, with an estimated value of €2.7 million," said the attorney general's office in a statement.

The operation was launched at the request of the European Public Prosecutor's Office in Lisbon and is part of the “Ambrósia” investigation, which is investigating 30 suspects accused of a €35 million fraud linked to products such as olive oil, oil and sugar.

The Cabo Verde public prosecutor's office, the Judicial Police and the Criminal Investigation Department of the island of Sal participated in the proceedings, accompanied by an analyst from the European Public Prosecutor's Office.

According to the indictment presented in July at the Central Criminal Court of Lisbon, the network used forged documents to simulate transactions and avoid paying VAT, selling the products below market prices.

Part of the investigations also took place in Portugal, Spain and France, with the support of the Portuguese Tax Authority.

Three official suspects are in preventive detention and one is under house arrest. If convicted, they face up to 25 years in prison.

The companies risk fines and judicial dissolution.

The Attorney General's Office of Cabo Verde recalls that this action is being taken under international cooperation agreements with Portugal.

RS/AYLS // AYLS

Lusa