In a message to its employees, Altice Portugal confirmed late last week that it was “cooperating with authorities in the context of an ongoing investigation targeting individuals affiliated with Altice” and that it was launching an internal investigation while suspending, in Portugal and in all countries, all payments and purchase orders with the companies or suppliers involved.
“We take this investigation very seriously and we will continue to act diligently to make decisions that are in the best interest of our employees, our customers, and our shareholders,” this text sent to employees assures.
The Central Department of Investigation and Criminal Action of the Public Ministry (DCIAP) of Portugal reports “dozens of searches” carried out in “several regions of the country, in particular in Lisbon.” “The investigation is related to facts that may constitute crimes of corruption in the private sector, tax evasion and money laundering,” he said in a press release.
The Portuguese court indicates that “the decision-making process of the Altice group was rigged in terms of supply, with practices that were detrimental to the companies of the Altice group.” Both the Portuguese State and the Altice group would be victims of damages whose amount has not yet been valued.
As part of this investigation, Armando Pereira, one of the historical partners of the Altice group, was arrested and his home was searched, according to local media. “The suspicions that have motivated the opening of investigations indicate that the decision-making process of the Altice group has been rigged in terms of hiring, with practices that have been detrimental to the group’s companies,” said the DCIAP.
Contacted, Altice Portugal had no comment.
BFMTV is part of the Altice Media group, itself part of the Altice France group.
Source: BFM TV
