At the behest of Portugal’s Ministry of the Treasury, more than a hundred officials and police registered the facilities of the country’s three biggest clubs this Wednesday. Benfica, Porto and Sporting, on suspicion of tax evasion related to player transfers.

There are more than six dozen records not only in the premises of three clubs, but also in law offices, accountants or private homes. Central Criminal Investigation and Action Agency (DCIAP) In a statement in Portuguese.

Records are produced in different facilities scattered across the country and Republican National Guard (GNR is similar to the Spanish Civil Guard).

suspected of “crimes”. qualified tax evasion, social security fraud and money laundering” It’s about player transfers, according to the Portuguese Prosecutor’s Office.

In addition to the clubs participating in the operations “payment of commissions and financial circuits in which players’ agents” participate.

According to the prosecution, the irregularities would have occurred between 2014 and 2022. “strong international dimension” and it is estimated that they will generate “illegal asset, tax and social security benefits” in excess of 58m euros.

Both Benfica and Porto have confirmed the registration of their facilities in their own statements expressing their willingness to cooperate with the authorities.

According to Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola, some records are in player houses, like a striker Goncalo Guedesformerly at Benfica on loan from Valencia and currently English Wolverhampton.

Also, according to the newspaper’s website, the Treasury suspects irregularities in his departure from Benfica.l Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2016 and on his departure from French club Mestalla the following year.

This Wednesday’s recordings are part of the operation.”Offside“, extensive research dating back to 2020.

This case created over a hundred raids Among those wanted are clubs, sports agents, lawyers and even players like former Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who saw his address searched when he was from Porto.

According to local media, the autographs investigated include those belonging to the Portuguese national team. Bruno Fernandes Leaving Sporting or Brazilian to join Manchester United in 2019 raphinhaCurrently at FC Barcelona.