The building of the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Internal Administration, on São Mamede Street in Lisbon, was robbed during the early hours of this Wednesday morning. There were offices ransacked and computer equipment stolen, including eight computers, one belonging to the deputy secretary-general and another to the head of IT. But what could be the consequences of this unusual burglary?
Risk to national security
The Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) issued a statement clarifying that some of the stolen computers were replacement devices, which suggests they did not (in principle) contain relevant information. However, the situation may not be so simple considering that the computer of the deputy secretary-general is among those taken.
A source linked to security issues explains to VISÃO that there may be “information about police facilities and their contents,” including data on where security forces store explosives, weapons, drugs, and other seized materials, but also sensitive information about “public competitions, European projects, and research and development in security forces.”
The same source explains that there are mechanisms that allow for remote blocking of sensitive information stored on stolen devices. However, the time it took for the MAI security to realize that the building had been robbed and the delay in communication between the PSP and other security elements may have contributed to sensitive data contained in the computers falling into the wrong hands.
Failures in communication with SIS and PJ
VISÃO has learned that, by Thursday evening, the information about the robbery had still not been formally communicated to either the Judiciary Police (PJ) or the Information and Security System (SIS) by the PSP. The CEGER (Center for Management of the Government’s IT Network) also was not immediately activated.
The fact that the PJ was not immediately alerted to this situation is even more critical, since, as VISÃO has learned, three weeks prior to the theft, there had been searches in the MAI General Secretariat building, during which computer equipment was seized.
Security errors in the building
The PSP officer on duty during the early hours of Wednesday did not immediately notice the burglary that occurred. The burglars reportedly entered through scaffolding set up for construction on a building next to the MAI General Secretariat around 5 a.m., but it was not until nearly 10 a.m. that security noticed signs of the burglary in the offices.
The fact that the placement of scaffolding did not prompt a reevaluation of the security scheme of the building is problematic and raises questions about the actions of the MAI secretary-general and the PSP security officer at the MAI.
The proximity of the scaffolding, a source from the sector tells VISÃO, should have led to “a security assessment of the building” by the PSP Security Division.
Furthermore, there are no records that could assist in the investigation, as the building’s surveillance cameras were not functioning.
Communication problems
Contacted by VISÃO, the office of Minister Margarida Blasco did not provide any clarification, referring all information to the statement regarding the robbery.
Additionally, the same source explained that the minister is refusing interview requests from all media that have sought them. However, behind the scenes, some have criticized the fact that the statement was issued by Blasco’s office rather than that of the secretary-general. A detail that could be important to center political responsibilities there.
Political consequences?
The Minister of Internal Administration, Margarida Blasco, is today one of the weakest links in the government’s lineup.
She was undermined by the Minister of Defense, Nuno Melo, when, after defending her stance on mandatory military service for young delinquents, stating it was made on behalf of the government, Melo backtracked and emphasized that there was no position from the Executive on the matter.
She was called into question when, on the eve of the conclusion of negotiations with the security forces’ unions about increases in remuneration supplements, Luís Montenegro publicly stated that there was “not another cent” to give to prison guards’ police.
And she did not appear alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs when Paulo Rangel replaced Luís Montenegro, who was out of Portugal on holiday, on the day of the earthquake that prompted the government and presidency to communicate with the country.
Within the government, it is said that the relationship between Margarida Blasco and Paulo Rangel is tense and has led to several uncomfortable conversations between them, including during the selection of state secretaries.
Several sources have told VISÃO that the minister, who is a retired councilor judge and returned to active service to join the government, feels exhausted and has privately admitted the possibility of resigning.
If she stays, Blasco may choose to dismiss the MAI secretary-general following the failures in this process. But for now, the only information coming from the MAI is that “the case is under investigation.”