Chega MP suspected of luggage theft at Lisbon airport
Yes, you read that right. The situation is a major embarrassment for the far-right Chega party that campaigns on a tough-on-crime platform.
What?
Miguel Arruda, a Chega MP representing the Azores, has admitted to stealing luggage at Lisbon Airport during a police investigation and is now facing allegations of qualified theft.
In light of the growing scandal, Arruda announced his departure from the far-right party to become an independent MP, a move he claims is intended to “protect the party.”
The admission came during a police search of his Lisbon residence on Tuesday, which uncovered multiple stolen suitcases and their contents, including clothing, jewelry, liquor, and personal care items.
Arruda reportedly confessed to the crimes during the search, though his lawyer denies this.
Arruda is being investigated for “qualified theft,” a crime that carries a penalty of up to five years in prison or 600 days of fines.
As the charge is punishable by more than three years of imprisonment, the Portuguese parliament must lift Arruda’s parliamentary immunity before he can be questioned.
Ventura Pushes for Suspension or Resignation
Chega leader André Ventura initially demanded that Arruda suspend his mandate or resign until the criminal investigation was resolved.
Arruda refused and instead chose to leave the party while keeping his parliamentary seat. Ventura, who had threatened disciplinary action, stated, “I made it clear there would be consequences,” adding that the party would not tolerate such behavior.
Arruda justified his decision to remain in Parliament as an independent MP by claiming it would allow him to focus on clearing his name. “I am innocent, and this will be proven in court,” he insisted.
Despite his confession to the authorities, he denied being “attached” to his position as an MP, asserting that his decision was made to defend himself as an individual rather than as a representative of a party.
Details of the Crime
The investigation into Arruda began after surveillance footage at Lisbon Airport allegedly captured him stealing multiple suitcases.
According to sources, the alleged thefts occurred over several months when Arruda traveled to and from the Azores at the beginning and end of parliamentary weeks.
Police confirmed that he used a large travel bag as a “matryoshka,” hiding smaller stolen suitcases inside it before leaving the airport.
During the search of his Lisbon apartment, authorities found not only the stolen luggage but also many of the items contained within, including clothing, perfumes, and other valuables.
Arruda attempted to explain that the suitcases were his but admitted he lacked receipts for the items.
Adding to the controversy, investigators discovered an online account under the username “miguelarruda84,” which was used to sell secondhand clothing.
The account, deactivated shortly after the story broke, listed dozens of items for sale. When questioned, Arruda appeared flustered and shifted blame to his wife, claiming she might have operated the account.
Chega Leadership Condemns the Incident
Ventura expressed frustration with Arruda’s actions and his refusal to follow party directives.
“The explanations provided were insufficient,” Ventura said, emphasizing Chega’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He argued that Arruda’s behavior had no place in a party that prides itself on a tough stance against crime.
Ventura also highlighted the evidence against Arruda, including surveillance footage and the recovery of stolen items.
“If the suitcases were his, the PSP wouldn’t have mobilized to seize them from his house,” Ventura stated.
In Parliament, Chega MPs echoed Ventura’s sentiments, with the party’s parliamentary leader declaring, “In Chega, those who steal or corrupt will not sit on this bench, not even once more.”
Future Steps
Arruda has indicated he will request the lifting of his parliamentary immunity, a necessary step for the case to proceed in court.
However, given the severity of the charges—which carry a maximum prison sentence of five years or a fine—the process is likely to take weeks.
For now, Arruda’s decision to leave Chega and become an independent MP allows him to retain his parliamentary privileges, including an office and staff budget.
However, his future in politics remains uncertain as the investigation unfolds.
The case has caused significant embarrassment for Chega, a party that has built its platform on law-and-order policies.
Critics have pointed to the irony of Arruda’s actions and questioned Ventura’s decision to include him as a candidate. Ventura, however, remains resolute, insisting that the party’s credibility has not been damaged.
Repercussions
This situation an embarrassment for a party that campaigns on a tough-on-crime platform.
Arruda, a loud and prominent figure in the parliamentary chamber, is known for his disruptive behavior during debates, particularly shouting from the back rows while other parties speak.
He serves on the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee and is a substitute member of the Transparency and Deputy Statute Committee, as well as the ad hoc committee for overseeing the implementation of the Anti-Corruption Agenda.
Last week, Arruda made a fiery speech criticizing the Left Bloc (Bloco), Livre, and especially the Socialist Party (PS), accusing them of criminal associations.
His comments were made during a debate on a proposal by the Azorean Legislative Assembly to ensure that immigrants retain access to social mobility subsidies for flights between the Azores, mainland Portugal, and Madeira. The bill aims to prevent residents from paying more than 134 euros for the journey.
Immediately after the scandal broke out on Wednesday, the internet was flooded with videos of Arruda accusing other politicians of being criminals, linking immigrants and crime, and openly praising the Estado Novo dictatorship.
Bio
According to information released by the party, Arruda holds degrees in Biological and Health Sciences and has postgraduate qualifications in Food Safety and Public Health, as well as Quality Engineering.
He also holds master’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences and in Environment, Health, and Safety from the University of the Azores.
Before his election to the Assembly of the Republic, Arruda served as a sergeant in the Army, worked as a scientific researcher at the University of the Azores, and was employed as a senior technician at an intermunicipal company, a role he suspended upon taking his parliamentary seat.