The National Anti-Corruption Unit of the Judiciary Police is investigating a self-styled grand master of an independent Masonic lodge on suspicion of financial fraud.
The suspect, who allegedly had business dealings with defendants in the mega-case of diamond trafficking and bitcoin fraud, was intercepted in wiretaps arranging suspicious meetings, according to court documents.
Despite having an address in Madeira, the authorities believe that the man is currently residing in Madrid. Last year, a “request for whereabouts for notification of the defendant” was issued, but the suspect never appeared for PJ’s interrogations.
According to the investigation revealed by Expresso, the alleged grand master was involved in a scheme that included:
- Suspicious bank account opening attempts
- Deposit of fraudulent checks of 270 thousand euros
- Fabrication of false documents, including UK driving licences
An accomplice, suspected of being a “front man” in several companies led by the man, tried to deposit a large check at a Portuguese bank branch, but the issuing German bank later warned that it was “a fake.”
Members of Freemasonry heard by Expresso describe the suspect as “a little eccentric” and “not at all discreet,” behaviours considered inappropriate in the Masonic environment. The man allegedly created a split with a larger lodge to take a leadership role and even sold products from an alleged American Masonic lodge through social networks.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
