The Portuguese authorities have launched an investigation following suspicions that the employees of the General Consulate of Portugal in Rio de Janeiro have been involved in Schengen visa fraud.
According to the Federal Police of Brazil, it is believed that the employees of the consulate helped the applicants who needed a visa secure appointments without having to undergo waiting times as the other applicants.
Moreover, it is suspected that the consulate employees also helped applicants falsify documents that are required when applying for a Portugal visa and documents required when applying for Portuguese citizenship.
PF and Portuguese authorities target illicit actions in consular practices. The investigations investigate the illegal scheduling of vacancies for the practice of consular acts, in addition to crimes of corruption, concussion, embezzlement and falsification of documents. Five search and seizure warrants were executed in the municipalities of Rio de Janeiro and Saquarema. – Federal Police of Brazil
As the Federal Police of Brazil explained, five search and seizure warrants issued by the Public Ministry of Portugal were executed. The search and seizure warrants covered the Consulate General of Portugal and a number of residences in Rio and Saquarema.
The Embassy of Portugal in Brazil also commented on the matter, confirming that the investigation is underway.
The Embassy further said that the Portuguese authorities decided to take measures following a high number of complaints “from users”.
Since the investigation is still ongoing, the Embassy did not disclose any further information. It is not yet known how many people have obtained a Portugal visa through the help of employees and by submitting forged documents.
However, it is expected that the Portuguese and Brazilian authorities will take measures to ensure that the visas of all those who obtained them illegally will be revoked.
In addition, the authorities are also expected to take measures against the consulate employees involved in the matter.
While citizens of Brazil do not need a visa to enter Portugal or any other Schengen Area country, the applications in the consulate are mainly made by nationals of other countries who reside in Brazil.
Schengen Visa Statistics data show that the Consulate General of Portugal in Rio de Janeiro received 89 Schengen visa applications last year.
Of the total, 47 visa applications were approved, and 42 were denied, with the rejection rate being high compared to the number of applications.
Despite the low number of applications, the Consulate has faced criticism, with applicants saying that it takes too long to secure an appointment and receive a decision on their application.
