Portuguese Police Arrest Eight in Major Vinho Verde Wine Fraud Investigation

Operation 'Puro Verde' Leads to Multiple Arrests

Portuguese police have apprehended eight individuals in a significant fraud investigation targeting the renowned Vinho Verde wine region. The arrests, part of an operation named 'Puro Verde' (Pure Green), include four employees from the Inspection and Control Division of the Viticulture Commission of the Vinho Verde Region (CVRVV) and four business owners from the wine production and distribution sector. The operation, led by the Polícia Judiciária (PJ), unfolded in early December 2025 across northern Portugal.

The investigation, which commenced in August 2025 following an anonymous tip, involved 21 searches at private residences and business premises, including the CVRVV headquarters in Porto. Authorities seized various documents, cash, and assets believed to be relevant to the ongoing inquiry.

Allegations of Corruption and Certification Compromise

The core of the alleged fraud involves a scheme of collusion between CVRVV officials and wine sector businesspeople. Suspects are accused of:

• Active and passive corruption
• Falsification of documents
• Abuse of power

The alleged scheme aimed to favor certain economic operators by deliberately omitting duties to monitor the origin and transit of grapes, as well as their storage in wineries during the 2025 harvest. This included turning a blind eye to the rigorous process of obtaining Designation of Origin (DO) or Geographical Indication (IG) certification, and allegedly warning wineries of imminent inspections in exchange for benefits such as meals, wine, and event tickets.

The PJ highlighted that these actions risked compromising the quality certification process for Vinho Verde wines, which attests to their origin, grape varieties, and production methods. The integrity of the entire $400 million Vinho Verde industry, which supports over 12,000 grape growers and 400 bottlers, is at stake.

CVRVV Cooperation and Further Developments

Dora Simões, President of the CVRVV, expressed surprise at the investigation and affirmed the commission's full cooperation with authorities. She stated that the organization is committed to clarifying all facts as quickly and transparently as possible. Simões also confirmed that no disciplinary action would be taken against the detained employees until more details emerge from the case.

In addition to the eight arrests, 17 individuals and entities have been named as formal suspects in connection with the case. The detained individuals are expected to appear before the Criminal Investigation Court in Porto for initial judicial hearings, where preventive measures, including bail for the businessmen and suspension from duties for the CVRVV employees, are being considered.