In a stunning blow to organised ticket touting, Portuguese authorities have successfully dismantled what is being described as one of the most extensive football ticket scalping networks ever uncovered in European football.
Major Police Operation Nets 12 Suspects
Following a comprehensive investigation led by Portugal's Criminal Investigation Police (PJ), law enforcement agencies have arrested 12 individuals believed to be at the heart of a sophisticated illegal ticket operation. The network had been systematically exploiting FC Porto's popular home matches, particularly targeting high-demand Champions League fixtures.
Sophisticated Scalping Operation Exposed
The criminal organisation employed a highly organised approach to their illegal activities. According to police reports, the group utilised multiple strategies to acquire and resell tickets at massively inflated prices:
- Employing individuals with club membership cards to purchase tickets directly from official channels
- Using falsified documents to circumvent purchase limits
- Operating through online platforms and social media to reach potential buyers
- Charging supporters up to ten times the face value for premium matches
Financial Scale Reveals Vast Criminal Enterprise
The investigation uncovered staggering financial figures that highlight the operation's scale. Police confirmed the network generated approximately €500,000 in illicit revenue during the 2023-2024 season alone. This massive profit margin demonstrates the lucrative nature of illegal ticket touting in top-tier European football.
FC Porto's Crucial Role in Investigation
Club authorities at FC Porto played a pivotal role in assisting police with their investigation. The club's internal monitoring systems detected unusual purchasing patterns that initially raised suspicions about the organised nature of the ticket acquisitions. This collaboration between football institutions and law enforcement represents a significant step forward in combating ticket fraud.
European-Wide Problem Tackled Locally
While this particular operation focused on Portuguese matches, authorities emphasised that ticket scalping remains a persistent issue across European football. The success of this investigation sends a clear message to similar networks operating throughout the continent that law enforcement agencies are increasingly sophisticated in their approach to tackling this form of organised crime.
The 12 suspects now face multiple charges related to criminal association and qualified fraud, with legal proceedings expected to commence in the coming weeks.
