Francisco Gomes, deputy of Chega in the Assembly of the Republic, demanded a strict inspection of jewellery and tourist souvenir shops operated by immigrants in Madeira, after raising suspicions about alleged illicit practices.
“We cannot allow Madeira, with all its history, identity and tourist prestige, to be invaded by establishments that have nothing to do with our culture and that only serve to foster crime and decadence,” points out the Madeiran deputy, quoted in a press release released on Friday morning.
According to Francisco Gomes, the first problem to deserve attention is what he says is the suspicion that these stores function as money laundering points. Although without presenting evidence, the deputy says it is impossible to ignore that these businesses “practically do not sell anything, but pay high rents,” which is suspicious.
“These stores are an embarrassment to our economy. It is clear that we are facing money laundering schemes from Pakistan and Bangladesh, which no one supervises and which are taking root in the Region,” he accuses.
The second problem pointed out by the deputy is related to what he says is the use of the shops as improvised dormitories for immigrants “in a dubious legal situation.” According to Francisco Gomes, basements and storage rooms without proper conditions are being used as living spaces, repeating practices already identified in similar establishments in the Lisbon area.
The third problem pointed out by the deputy is the impact these stores have on the region’s image. For the parliamentarian, the products sold do not reflect Madeiran culture, do not contribute to the appreciation of Madeira as a destination, and, on the contrary, circulate items of poor quality, which, in his opinion, “shame the regional identity.”
“Without serious enforcement, Madeira will increasingly be used as a platform for illegal immigration and money laundering. And this not only destroys our society but also jeopardises our public security. It is unacceptable,” said Francisco Gomes, adding that, if this situation persists, “the region runs the risk of being transformed into a depot for illegal immigration and a money laundering centre.”
