Social media was exploited to distribute fraudulent prescription slips and fake death certificates, in significant numbers.
In a significant move to safeguard public health services and social security systems, the Portuguese authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into a case involving 18 suspects accused of fraudulently issuing medical prescriptions, death certificates, and other documents over a three-year period.
The Lisbon Regional Prosecutor's Office (PGRL) has taken the matter seriously, pursuing legal action against all individuals involved. On July 15, the Lisbon Department of Investigation and Criminal Action (DIAP) filed an accusation involving "dozens of crimes of aggravated illegal access and false information."
The suspects, who are currently awaiting the outcome of a trial of "special complexity" in preventive detention, are alleged to have exploited the National Health Service (SNS) system to pass dozens of fake prescriptions and death certificates. They are also suspected of illegally accessing and exploiting social security information services and creating a website for anonymous and persistent sharing of third-party personal data.
The nature and extent of the crimes the suspects are accused of committing remain unclear, but the PGRL has accused them of document forgery, qualified fraud, money laundering, computer fraud, possession of prohibited weapons, abuse of guarantee or payment card, device, or data, persecution, privacy disturbance, abuse and simulation of danger signals, privacy invasion, extortion, threat, and public instigation to commit a crime.
The suspects are further accused of mass-dispersing emails intended to mislead third parties about alleged debts to various entities, including EDP, EDP Commercial, Endesa, and CTT. The alleged fraudulent activities took place between 2022 and 2024.
While specific operational details of the fraud or the exact modus operandi have not been thoroughly disclosed, this case underscores the vulnerability of social security and healthcare systems to fraudulent practices. The ongoing investigation by the PGRL highlights the necessity of stringent oversight and enforcement by judicial authorities to protect these vital public services.
The Public Ministry has accused the suspects of using platforms exclusively for qualified professionals, including those used in the National Health System, to commit their crimes. However, the PGRL's statement does not specify what actions have been taken against the suspects since the accusations were made. It is also unclear what actions have been taken against the remaining 15 suspects since the accusations were made.
The trial for the three suspects in preventive detention has not been concluded or its outcome disclosed. The authorities have not released further details about the case to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding public services and the need for continued vigilance against fraud and criminal misuse.
This case, involving the 18 suspects, extends beyond traditional crime-and-justice matters, as it implicates cybersecurity concerns, with the perpetrators suspected of illegally accessing and exploiting technology in the National Health Service and social security information services. The investigation also suggests the creation of a website for sharing personal data, shedding light on the threat of cybercrime in the context of general-news like this one. Moreover, the suspects have been accused of using specialized platforms to commit their crimes, underlining the potential vulnerability of such platforms and the need for enhanced security measures.
