Portugal tightens anti-corruption rules to confiscate assets

Portugal’s minority centre-right government approved on Thursday a set of tougher measures to combat corruption, including allowing courts to confiscate suspects’ assets without a criminal conviction.

Former Portuguese premiers, politicians, bankers, business executives and judges have been embroiled in several high-profile corruption investigations in recent years. Far-right party Chega has capitalised on such probes.

“(There will be) a relentless fight against corruption in Portugal,” Prime Minister Luis Montenegro told a news conference.

Portuguese legislation already allowed for assets to be confiscated for crimes of corruption, economic and financial and terrorism but a criminal conviction was required.

New rules will allow courts to proceed with confiscation if they are “convinced” the suspects’ assets are linked to corruption. They will be able to do so without a guilty verdict, said Justice Minister Rita Judice.

via Reuters

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