Eight Arrested in Vinho Verde Wine Fraud Probe as 17 Suspects Named in Certification Scandal

Authorities in Portugal have detained eight people, including four employees of the Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes (CVRVV) and four wine industry entrepreneurs, as part of a large-scale investigation into alleged corruption in the certification process for Vinho Verde wines. The operation, led by the Polícia Judiciária (PJ), took place this week in the northern region of the country and included 21 searches at private residences and business premises, among them the CVRVV headquarters in Porto.

The investigation, which began in August following an anonymous tip, centers on suspicions of collusion between CVRVV staff and wine sector business owners. According to the PJ, the alleged scheme involved deliberate failures to monitor the origin and movement of grapes during the 2025 harvest. This omission is believed to have benefited certain economic operators by easing certification requirements, potentially compromising the integrity of wines labeled with Denominação de Origem (DO) and Indicação Geográfica (IG).

Dora Simões, president of the CVRVV, stated on Wednesday that the commission is fully cooperating with authorities. She emphasized that the organization has a vested interest in clarifying all facts as quickly and transparently as possible. Simões said she was caught completely off guard by the investigation and confirmed that all necessary information would be made available to investigators. She also noted that no disciplinary action would be taken against detained employees until more details about the case are known.

The PJ reported that 17 individuals and companies have been named as formal suspects in connection with the case. During searches, authorities seized documents, assets, and cash considered relevant to the ongoing inquiry. The commission’s Division of Inspection and Control is at the center of the investigation, with its members suspected of accepting bribes and falsifying documents to favor certain producers.

In a statement sent to media outlets, the CVRVV reaffirmed its commitment to working with both the PJ and public prosecutors. The commission stressed its dedication to upholding rigorous standards for traceability and certification in Vinho Verde production. It also expressed concern about the potential damage these allegations could cause to the reputation of more than 12,000 grape growers and over 400 bottlers who rely on trust in the region’s certification system.

The PJ highlighted that any manipulation of certification processes threatens not only product authenticity but also consumer confidence in Portuguese wines. The commission is responsible for certifying grape varieties, production methods, and other legal requirements that distinguish Vinho Verde from other wines.

The suspects are expected to appear before a judge at Porto’s Criminal Investigation Court for initial hearings and possible imposition of preventive measures. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether there were broader violations within the sector or if additional individuals may be implicated.

The case has drawn attention across Portugal’s wine industry, which is closely watching developments amid concerns about transparency and fair competition. The outcome could have significant implications for regulatory oversight and international perception of one of Portugal’s most recognized wine regions.