Lisbon, Portugal – A deepening scandal within the Portuguese police force has seen seven additional officers from the 22nd precinct, known as the “Esquadra do Rato” (Rato Squad), detained on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, amidst allegations of torture, rape and abuse of power. This brings the total number of officers implicated in the ongoing investigation to nine, following the earlier arrest and indictment of two colleagues last January. The latest detentions reach as authorities execute nine search warrants at officers’ homes and within police stations across Lisbon.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Ministério Público) and the Public Security Police (PSP), centers on accusations that officers systematically abused vulnerable individuals – including drug users, the homeless, and immigrants – even as on duty. The allegations paint a disturbing picture of repeated acts of violence and intimidation, with reports suggesting victims were subjected to physical assault, sexual violence, and the theft of personal belongings. The unfolding case has ignited public outrage and raised serious questions about accountability and oversight within the PSP.
Escalating Investigation Reveals Systemic Abuse
According to a statement released by the PSP, the current phase of the investigation focuses on “suspected aggravated torture, rape, abuse of power, and qualified physical injury.” The detentions were carried out following a coordinated operation involving searches at both residential properties and police stations. Seven arrest warrants were executed, targeting officers believed to be involved in the alleged crimes. The investigation is being led by the Department of Investigation and Criminal Action (DIAP) of Lisbon, with the involvement of seven public prosecutors.
The initial accusations, brought to light earlier this year, detailed horrific accounts of abuse perpetrated by two officers already in preventative detention. These officers, identified as Guilherme Leme and Óscar Borges, were accused of crimes including torture, abuse of power, rape, and offenses against physical integrity, as reported by RTP in January 2026. The alleged abuses reportedly occurred not only within the Rato and Bairro Alto police stations but also in public spaces in those neighborhoods, including Cais do Sodré.
Disturbingly, investigators discovered evidence suggesting the alleged perpetrators shared violent content – including videos of the abuse – with approximately 70 other officers via a WhatsApp group. While it remains unclear whether any of the newly detained officers were members of this group, the revelation points to a potentially widespread culture of impunity and complicity within the Rato Squad. The Public Prosecutor, Felismina Carvalho Franco, noted in the initial indictment that the repeated nature of the acts indicated a “apparent feeling of impunity” among those involved.
Allegations of Brutality and Exploitation
The accusations extend beyond physical violence. According to court documents cited in reports, officers allegedly stole money, personal belongings, and identification documents from victims. In some instances, they are accused of adding illicit drugs to substances already in the possession of those detained. These actions suggest a pattern of exploitation and a deliberate attempt to further victimize already vulnerable individuals. The alleged conduct is described as “violent, disproportionate, and degrading.”
The PSP, under the leadership of National Director Luís Carrilho, has publicly stated its commitment to cooperating fully with the investigation. Carrilho informed Parliament that the Metropolitan Command of Lisbon “denounced” the allegations and requested “maximum priority” in the investigation. He stated that the Public Prosecutor’s Office formally received information about the alleged crimes on March 6, 2025, and subsequently took over the investigation, with the PSP providing full collaboration. Carrilho confirmed that the officers involved were immediately removed from duty and placed in preventative detention following the initial arrests in July 2025.
Internal Investigations and Oversight Concerns
The PSP initiated its own internal disciplinary proceedings against the two initially accused officers and a third individual in July 2025. Yet, these proceedings were subsequently taken over by the General Inspection of Administrative Internal Affairs (IGAI) in November 2025, indicating a desire for independent oversight. The IGAI is currently reviewing the cases.
Carrilho described the organizational structure of the Rato precinct, noting that the commander also oversees the Bairro Alto precinct, with chief-level deputies on duty during the day and three levels of hierarchical supervision in place overnight. Following the initial allegations, Carrilho stated that the number of patrols and supervisory mechanisms were reinforced, although he did not provide specific details regarding these changes.
The unfolding scandal has prompted calls for a thorough review of police training, oversight mechanisms, and accountability procedures within the PSP. Critics argue that the alleged abuses highlight a systemic failure to protect vulnerable populations and prevent police misconduct. The case also raises concerns about the potential for a culture of silence and complicity within the force, hindering efforts to address and prevent future abuses.
What Happens Next?
The seven newly detained officers are currently being held in preventative detention while the investigation continues. Authorities are expected to present further evidence and build their case against all nine officers involved. The IGAI’s ongoing review of the disciplinary proceedings is also expected to yield further insights into the alleged misconduct and potential systemic failures. The next significant development is anticipated to be a preliminary hearing date, which has not yet been announced. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has not released a timeline for when charges will be formally filed.
This case underscores the critical importance of independent oversight and accountability within law enforcement agencies. As the investigation progresses, it is essential that all allegations are thoroughly investigated, and those responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The Portuguese public, and the international community, will be watching closely to notice how this case unfolds and what steps are taken to prevent similar abuses from occurring in the future.
Key Takeaways:
- Seven additional police officers from the Rato Squad have been detained in connection with allegations of torture and abuse.
- The investigation centers on the abuse of vulnerable individuals, including drug users, the homeless, and immigrants.
- Evidence suggests a potential culture of impunity and complicity within the Rato Squad, with officers allegedly sharing violent content via WhatsApp.
- The PSP has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and has initiated internal disciplinary proceedings.
- The case has sparked public outrage and calls for greater police accountability and oversight.
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