Two Lisbon museum employees arrested over alleged ticket fraud

Portugal’s Judicial Police (PJ) have arrested two employees at a museum in Lisbon over the alleged diversion of ticket revenue. Investigators suspect the workers issued discounted or free tickets and invoices to visitors who were not entitled to those categories, then kept the amounts paid. The allegations have not been tested in court.

The PJ identified the suspects as a 48-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman. The investigation covers the period from March 2026 until Monday, when the arrests were made, although police said the suspected activity may have begun earlier. The case is being investigated as suspected embezzlement and computer-related forgery.

The operation, named “Free Pass”, included four searches at homes and non-residential premises across the Lisbon metropolitan area. Nine PJ inspectors, four forensic specialists and a public prosecutor took part. According to the police statement, ticket categories for discounts or free admission may have been applied in circumstances that did not meet the rules for free entry.

The two detainees are due to appear before a judge for an initial hearing, where possible precautionary measures can be considered. No detention order, indictment or conviction has been announced at this stage. Authorities have not named the museum, so the report does not identify a particular institution.

The central question is how ticketing categories were selected and where the money paid by visitors went. The police investigation and subsequent prosecutorial and court proceedings must establish the facts; the suspects cannot be treated as guilty on the basis of the allegations. The available statement does not include details of their responses.