Vinho Verde fraud probe

The Vinhos Verdes Wine Region Commission is cooperating with authorities after raids linked to an anonymous whistleblower, following the arrest of several officials and business owners over alleged wine fraud.

The commission said it is providing all necessary information to support the ongoing investigation and stressed that it had no prior knowledge of the suspected wrongdoing. In a statement, it described the situation as a “particularly demanding time” for the industry, when complaints and suspicions are more frequent.

Authorities have arrested eight individuals and raided 21 properties in the Vinho Verde region, including four members of the region’s governing Viticulture Commission, over alleged collusion in the wine sector.

The commission confirmed it remains committed to strict traceability and certification standards and expressed regret that the probe has cast a shadow over the work of over 12,000 growers and 400 bottlers.