The Porto Public Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into the alleged tax benefits attributed to PSD leader Luís Montenegro’s housing in Espinho, following an anonymous complaint.
“The existence of an investigation resulting from an anonymous complaint is confirmed. The investigation is led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of DIAP Regional do Porto, is subject to judicial secrecy and has no suspects,” the Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to DN of the Republic, in a note from its news agency.
According to RTP, the issue is the alleged abuse of the reduced VAT rate on housing in Montenegro, located in Espinho.
In May, the newspaper Expresso reported that Luís Montenegro had not declared to the Constitutional Court the increase in his real estate in connection with the purchase of a luxury villa in Espinho, 100 meters from the beach, which began construction in 2016.
At the time, the PSD reported that its leader “has always fulfilled all declarative obligations of a patrimonial nature, under the conditions provided for by law. It is incorrect that there is a question of omission of a declaration.”
“I was treated no differently than any other citizen in the same situation. I did not commit any ethically or legally inappropriate action.”
Luís Montenegro responded in a written statement from his press service.
“I do not know the contents of the anonymous complaint, but assuming it is related to the tax levy related to the construction of my house, this will be an excellent opportunity to finally bring this matter to a close,” the statement read.
He adds: “Faced with this complaint, the MP could not open the investigation: and at the right time he did so!
I have received no different treatment than any other citizen in the same situation. I have not committed any ethically or legally inappropriate action. I have every interest in seeing the issue considered, but I will not allow myself to be conditioned in civil and political areas. I will continue to present to the Portuguese the ambitious alternative that Portugal needs. I am, am and always will be a completely free citizen.”
Source: DN
