José Sena Goulão / Lusa
Miguel Pinto Luz, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing
The PJ searched the Cascais Chamber on suspicion of favoritism in two businesses that aimed at two urbanism processes – one related to a hotel, one with a hospital. CNN advances that the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Miguel Pinto Luz is one of the aims in the investigation
Eight search warrants were served (a home and seven non-household), on the sidelines of the “Operation 5 Stars”, this Tuesday, in Lisbon and Cascais.
The searches aimed at two urbanism processes, one related to a hotel, one with a hospital.
In a statement, the Judicial Police (PJ) said that, in question, they are suspected of the crimes of prevarication, economic participation in business and violation of urban rules per employee, in the process of selling a municipal land for the construction of a luxury hotel in Cascais.
Not to mention suspects, the PJ details that there are “Strong suspicions” of favoring a real estate company in the process of selling a municipal land to build a hotel with about 120 luxury apartments ”, in March 2020.
According to,, Miguel Pinto Luz is one of the targets in the investigation.
The current Minister of Infrastructure and Housing was vice-mayor de Cascais (2017-2024), when the business was done.
The point that Pinto Luz will have been part of this deal, adding that there are still complaints against the current president of the municipality, CARLOS CAREERSthe councilman Nuno Pieira Lopes (PSD list head in the next authority).
Besides the sale of land for the construction of a tourist venture of the Hilton American Hotel Chainalso the process of licensing of this work is being investigated by the National Unit to Combat Corruption.
As for the hospital, the sale of a lot will be concerned where Expansion of the Private Hospital CUF.
The Mayor of Cascais Carlos Carreiras confirmed the searches From the PJ at the municipality, admitting the intervention of former vice-president Miguel Pinto Luz.
However, when asked if his former vice-president Miguel Pinto Luz was sought, Carlos Carreiras said he was not referred to “no personalized suspicion.”
“I have not been mentioned in particular references, now it will be normal, and the former vice-president, by delegation of competences, dealt with in these matters, it is natural that the process contain his decisions. It is a current process, normal, that takes place in the City Hall of Cascais, as it is passed in any chamber. But it was not referred to me any specified personalized suspicion,” said the mayor.
Regarding the two businesses concerned, Carlos Carreira ensured that all the “legal prerogatives” to which the municipality is obliged were fulfilled, having been provided “all explanations to the elements of the PJ”.
PINTO LUZ DEFENDE
In a statement sent to the newsrooms, on Tuesday afternoon, the current Minister of Infrastructure said I was unaware of whether it is aimed at the investigation that motivated searches at the municipality.
“I am not in the current details of the process that originated the recent searches, I don’t even know whether or not I’m targeted in the investigation“He said, in a written clarification.
Still, Miguel Pinto Luz assured that the conduct has always been guided by the “integrity and interest” of the Municipalitybut he said he was unaware of whether he is aimed at the investigation that motivated searches at the municipality.
“However, I have complete confidence in the judicial system and I am sure that, as far as I am concerned, my conduct has always been based on the integrity and interest of Cascais,” he added.
