Carlos Moura, head of IT Systems at the Bank of Portugal, has been named a defendant in Operation “Pactum”, an investigation into alleged public procurement corruption. On April 4, more than 300 PJ officers and experts conducted 75 searches across Lisbon, Porto, and Braga.
🔍 Key Allegations:
- Moura is suspected of using connections from his time at Portugal Telecom (now Altice) to benefit Meo, which signed contracts with the Bank of Portugal.
- Meo was also searched, though no current directors are defendants.
🏢 Institutions Searched:
- Bank of Portugal
- Ministry of Justice
- Institute of Registries and Notaries
- Meo
🕵️ Scheme Overview: The PJ suspects “mole” employees leaked tender info and helped shape contract terms to favor specific companies. These companies allegedly formed a cartel, with profits and kickbacks distributed among participants.
The case highlights growing concerns over systemic corruption in Portugal’s public procurement system.