The Portuguese Judicial Police (PJ) have launched a major anti-corruption operation, codenamed “Pactum,” targeting a suspected cartel of IT companies accused of manipulating public procurement for nearly a decade. The scheme allegedly involved a network of public officials who leaked confidential information and rigged tenders to benefit a group of tech firms.
More than 250 PJ inspectors, 50 forensic experts, and three prosecutors carried out 75 searches across Lisbon, Porto, and Braga. Key institutions—including the Bank of Portugal, the Ministry of Justice’s General Secretariat, IRN, EPAL, and BUPI—were among those targeted.
The companies under investigation, including Link Consulting, Zertive, and Zytics, are believed to have secured millions in contracts through coordinated bids and insider help. Civil servants—dubbed “moles”—are suspected of altering tender conditions and sharing privileged information to ensure the cartel’s success.
Authorities are investigating a wide range of serious offenses, including corruption, fraud, abuse of power, and money laundering.
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