Portugal arrests lawyer suspected of stealing €1.2m from Golden Visa clients

Portugal's Judicial Police arrested a 58-year-old lawyer in Odivelas, near Lisbon, on 15 July 2026. Police say he took money from foreign clients who hired him for the Golden Visa (ARI investment residence).

This is a news summary, not legal advice. Charges are still going through the courts.

What changed

• Police estimate about €1.2 million moved from client accounts into his own accounts. They say the cash was spent on personal costs.
• The alleged transfers ran from about 2023 to March 2026. The Lisbon prosecutor's office later put the start as early as 2022.
• Investigators have named 33 foreign victims so far. Portuguese press reports many were Chinese nationals. Police say the count may rise.
• The lawyer allegedly got access to client bank accounts by saying this would speed up Golden Visa filings.
• He faces early charges of aggravated fraud, breach of trust, and money laundering. A court later ordered pre-trial detention.
• IMI Daily and Portuguese outlets such as Observador summarise the police statement.

What you still need

The Golden Visa route itself did not close because of this arrest. A clean filing still needs:

• A valid investment that matches the current ARI rules.
• Money moved through accounts you control, or a direct transfer to the fund or seller.
• Your own identity, source-of-funds, and residence paperwork.
• A lawyer or agent is optional for advice. They should not need power over your bank account.

Lisbon lawyer Madalena Monteiro told IMI there is no normal need to give anyone bank powers for this process. Investors can wire from abroad or from a Portuguese account in their own name.

Who this affects

• People planning a Portugal Golden Visa who are choosing lawyers and agents now.
• Current ARI applicants who already signed broad bank powers of attorney.
• Past clients who wired money to an intermediary instead of a fund or seller they can name.
• Anyone comparing EU investment routes, including Spain and Greece.

What to do next

1. Keep investment funds under your control. Wire to the published fund, seller, or your own Portuguese account only.
2. Read our Portugal Golden Visa residence page before you sign any mandate.
3. If Portugal is still on your shortlist, compare Portugal vs Spain on lifestyle and scores, not only on agents.

News summary only, not legal advice. Follow Portuguese police and court updates, plus the IMI report, before you transfer money or grant account access.