Pedro França / Senate Agency
The Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE) detected the existence of a crime of speculation by a water sector provider, which injured about 178,000 consumers in Greater Lisbon.
178 mil consumers of Greater Lisbon were injured(at least) in 2023, by a provider of the sector of the water. This is what ASAE reveals in a press issued at the end of Tuesday.
“The investigation focused on the extemporaneous application of the tariff for the year 2023, and the practice of Crime of speculation in billing“You can read.
According to ASAE, the crime occurred through the improper collection of consumption and water sanitation services.
O company name was not revealedbut ASAE details that the situation in question affected an estimated universe of about 178,000 consumers, covering private and business customers, an amount associated with speculative practice of more than 170 thousand euros.
“It should be noted that in the sequence of the investigation developed, consumers were, however, reimbursed by the amounts improperly charged, and the replacement of legality was ensured as well as the protection of the respective property rights,” adds ASAE.
“ASAE will continue to develop investigation actions in the field of crimes against the economy, in order to ensure the protection of consumer rights in line with the principles of transparency, legality and economic equity,” the statement says.
The action was carried out through the Southern Regional Unit – Nucleus of Investigation and Procedural Instruction, during a criminal investigation in the context of an inquiry.
