Portuguese Interior Minister Luís Neves will stand trial before the Court of Auditors over alleged financial irregularities dating to his tenure as director-general of the Judicial Police, after deciding to contest fines imposed by the court.
The audit, which examined public procurement rule violations and breaches of transparency and budgetary principles, was requested by Neves himself, he said, adding that he is "absolutely at ease" with the scrutiny. Among the disputed expenses were travel costs of €2,500 that Neves said were necessary to save a transnational organised crime operation, noting the contracted company failed to issue an invoice despite being paid.
Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice separately ordered an inspection of the Judicial Police covering Neves's leadership period, a move he publicly endorsed. The Public Prosecutor's Office will also launch an internal evaluation following the multiple cases involving the current minister.