The agent is being subject to disciplinary proceedings for warning one of the suspects about the imminent arrest and may also face criminal charges for violating judicial secrecy.
An investigator from the Lisbon PSP, currently suspended from his duties and subject to disciplinary proceedings, is suspected of having revealed information reserved for one of the accused in the case that investigates alleged crimes of torture and rape that occurred at the Rato police station, in Lisbon.
According to , the discovery emerged within the scope of analysis of seized cell phones during the police operation that led to the arrest of 15 PSP agents, one of whom has since been released.
According to information obtained, the messages exchanged between the investigator and one of the victims contained sensitive details about the investigation ongoing, including references to the date of the police operation and the possibility of imminent arrests. Authorities believe the agent will have alert the defendant in advanceviolating the duty of secrecy inherent to police functions.
Despite the leak of information, sources linked to the process interviewed by Correio da Manhã guarantee that the operational plan was not compromised. The operation progressed as planned, culminating in the arrests of the suspects and the collection of evidence considered essential for the advancement of the investigation. Still, the case is being viewed with great seriousness by the authoritiesespecially as it involves an element responsible for internal investigation.
The agent suspected of disclosing confidential information was temporarily removed from service and faces disciplinary proceedings initiated by the PSP. In addition to the internal consequences, it could also criminally liable for violating judicial secrecy.
The main case focuses on alleged abuses committed by officers at the Rato police station, including suspected torture and rape. The agents also shared images and videos of the abuse in groups on WhatsApp and the seizure of this evidence is at the heart of the investigation.
The coercive measures applied to the accused should be known this Monday morning, at the Lisbon Court.
