Montepio is one of Aprígio Santos’ creditors
The pardon is at risk due to suspicions that Aprígio Santos hid assets, which violates the conditions of the agreement.
Aprígio Santos, former president of the Clube Naval Primeiro de Maio, in Figueira da Foz, faces suspicions that could compromise forgiveness of around 323.7 million euros in debt.
The insolvency administrator investigates the possible concealment of shares in a company in Cape Verde, Profitsquare SA, which holds 74% of the Portuguese company Pré-Bloco Anestor Comercial Lda, owner of land in Porto valued at 12 million euros.
Aprígio Santos’ insolvency was declared fortuitous in 2022, allowing him a period of three years to settle specific obligations, with a view to exoneration of liabilities. However, the businessman is accused of not having declared his relationship with Profitsquare, which can be considered a violation of imposed conditions. The insolvency administrator, Ana Maria de Oliveira Silva, seeks to clarify the financial and asset movements of the Cape Verdean company and its shareholders.
Among Aprígio Santos’ creditors are entities such as Parvaloremwhich claims 144.5 million euros, the Portuguese Commercial Bank (43.8 million) and the Caixa Econômica Montepio Geral (40.1 million).
Despite this, the businessman has already assured, through his lawyer, Gonçalo Melo Ribeiro, that he is fulfilling his obligations and denies any active participation in Profitsquare beyond his role as manager, reports .
The situation is worsened by legal disputes with Aprígio Santos’ ex-wife, Dolores Sebastião, who claims that the businessman used an “iron forehead” to transfer Pre-Bloc shares irregularly, aiming to avoid the sharing of assets in the divorce. According to Dolores, the sale of the shares occurred without her knowledge and without financial compensation, involving allegedly misused powers of attorney.
The land in question, acquired by Pré-Bloco in 2016 for just over two million euros, is under legal dispute for almost seven years. The decision on ownership of assets can impact insolvency, since, if recognized as hidden, they can be seized to settle debts.
With only six months remaining until the end of the assignment period, any irregularity could make debt forgiveness unfeasible, forcing Aprígio Santos to face legal action for hiding assets and prolonging the insolvency process.
