José Manuel Bolieiro praises work of PJ and calls for increased resources to address new threats - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Azores Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, attended today the opening ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Azores Criminal Investigation Department (DIC Açores) of the Criminal Investigation Police (PJ), which took place at the Sacred Art Centre of the Carlos Machado Museum in Ponta Delgada.

The celebrations featured the conference “Combating Corruption and Economic and Financial Crime: The Criminal Investigation Police’s Systemic Approach,” an initiative that brought together experts and institutional leaders to reflect on the current challenges in the fight against corruption and economic and financial crime.

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the work of PJ in the Region over the last 50 years, emphasising its “contribution to the defence of democratic rule of law, public security and institutional trust."

The President of the Azorean Government paid tribute to the National Directorate of the Criminal Investigation Police, the Azores Criminal Investigation Coordinator, Renato Medeiros, and all the professionals at DIC Açores, acknowledging the work carried out at the service of Azorean citizens and the country.

“We are celebrating 50 years of the Criminal Police in the Azores and 50 years of Autonomy. These are two paths that help us understand the country’s evolution and the way Portugal has come to value its Atlantic dimension and the role of Autonomous Regions,” he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro considered that the presence of the PJ in the Region demonstrates the State’s responsibility towards Azorean citizens and the recognition of the strategic importance of the Azores within the national context.

“It is a journey that honours the country, its democratic institutions and all those who, over the years, have served the cause of criminal investigation with competence, distinction and a sense of duty,” he added.

The President of the Regional Government highlighted the role of the Criminal Police as the leading criminal investigation body, specialising in the most serious and complex crimes, and working in close collaboration with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the courts.

In this context, the President emphasised the importance of the work carried out to combat corruption, economic and financial fraud, tax fraud and money laundering. These crimes undermine citizens’ trust in institutions and compromise public resources essential to community development.

Regarding the theme of the conference, held as part of the celebrations, José Manuel Bolieiro defended that the fight against corruption requires a comprehensive approach that combines effective criminal investigation with preventive measures, administrative transparency, control mechanisms, codes of conduct and a culture of integrity within public institutions.

“Fighting corruption means protecting democracy, strengthening citizens’ trust and ensuring that public resources are used at the service of development and the common good,” he stated.

The President of the Government also highlighted the growing sophistication of criminal networks, which are increasingly relying on complex corporate structures, international financial channels and advanced digital tools. This requires specialist teams, technical expertise and cooperation between national and international institutions.

“Crime is becoming increasingly global. It often originates far away, but has very tangible consequences for local communities. Therefore, cooperation and the ability to adapt are essential,” he said.

José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the specific challenges posed by the archipelago’s unique circumstances to criminal investigations, noting that the Region’s geographical dispersion, its maritime and airspace dimensions, and its strategic location require adequate resources and a constant response from authorities.

“The Azores are today an Atlantic border of growing importance. This reality presents opportunities, but also increased responsibilities. We are a strategic region for Portugal and Europe, and we must be prepared to respond to the risks that this position entails,” he stated.

The President of the Regional Government warned of emerging phenomena such as cybercrime, digital fraud and attacks on information systems, as well as the challenges associated with the trafficking and consumption of new psychoactive substances and synthetic drugs, which are becoming increasingly difficult to detect and combat.

In this context, he advocated strengthening the human, technical and operational resources of PJ and other security forces, adapting them to current demands and the specific characteristics of the Region.

“We have highly qualified professionals and institutions that carry out work of the highest quality. It is important to continue creating the necessary conditions so that they can carry out their mission effectively and respond to the challenges they face,” he emphasised.

José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted the institutional trust and cooperation between the Government of the Azores and PJ, based on respect for technical autonomy and the independence of criminal investigations.

During the session, the President of the Government reiterated the importance of continuing to strengthen the operational capacity of the Criminal Investigation Police in the Azores by developing its human resources and investing in resources and infrastructure suited to current challenges.

“The results achieved reflect a performance marked by discretion, competence and efficiency, always with due regard for the rights, freedoms and guarantees of citizens. It is a legacy that brings prestige to PJ, the Azores and Portugal,” he concluded.