TAP Air Portugal Offices Raided in €500,000 Golden Handshake Investigation

Authorities Raid TAP Offices Over Controversial Payment

Portuguese authorities conducted raids on the offices of TAP Air Portugal, a Lisbon law firm, and seized computer equipment from the General Secretariat of the Portuguese Government on Tuesday. The Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed these actions are part of an investigation into a controversial €500,000 'golden handshake' payment made to former executive board member Alexandra Reis. Investigators are probing suspected crimes such as mismanagement, corruption, abuse of power, and unlawful economic participation in business. TAP Air Portugal has pledged full cooperation with the authorities, stating it does not comment on judicial proceedings but will assist in all investigations.

The Alexandra Reis Severance Controversy

The controversy originated in February 2022 when Alexandra Reis received approximately €500,000 upon her departure from TAP Air Portugal. This payment became a focal point of public and political scrutiny, particularly after Reis was subsequently appointed to lead NAV Portugal, a public air traffic control company, and later served briefly as Secretary of State for the Treasury. Her appointment to these government roles following the substantial severance package from a state-owned airline, which had received a €3.2 billion taxpayer-funded bailout, ignited widespread outrage.

Investigation Findings and Leadership Dismissals

An audit by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) concluded that the €500,000 payment to Alexandra Reis was 'null' or 'illegal' and lacked a legal basis under the Public Manager Statute. The IGF report recommended that Reis return a significant portion of the compensation, specifically €450,110.26. The fallout from the scandal led to significant changes in TAP's leadership. On March 6, 2023, TAP CEO Christine Ourmières-Widener and Chairman of the Board Manuel Beja were dismissed for 'fair cause,' with the IGF report holding them responsible for authorizing the controversial payment. Ourmières-Widener has since challenged her dismissal, arguing it was a 'political decision'.

Broader Political Repercussions

The 'golden handshake' scandal also triggered a wave of resignations within the Portuguese government. Among those who stepped down were then-Minister for Infrastructures and Housing Pedro Nuno Santos, and Alexandra Reis herself from her position as Secretary of State for the Treasury. The incident has been widely discussed in the national media, with public opinion largely critical of the handling of funds within state-owned enterprises. The ongoing investigation seeks to clarify the legal framework surrounding the payment and hold those responsible accountable for any irregularities.