A probe into direct adjustments to Navy contracts approved during Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo’s tenure as naval commander between 2017 and 2020 is intensifying, raising questions as he campaigns for teh presidency. The investigation, initially reported by the magazine Saturday on December 29, 2025, centers on potential irregularities in procurement processes and has prompted a strong denial from the candidate, who asserts he had no personal gain and was unaware of the specific suppliers involved.
Lingering Questions After Court of Auditors Review
While the Court of Auditors issued a pardon in 2024 regarding “possible financial infractions,” the case remains active at the Department of Investigation and Criminal Action (DIAP) in Almada.This continued scrutiny stems from a 2021 report by the Military Judiciary Police (PJM), which identified 57 contracts approved by Admiral gouveia e Melo as potentially problematic. The PJM’s investigation focused on an excessive concentration of direct adjustments awarded to the company Proskipper, a firm specializing in “trade in military goods and technologies and defense-related products” that dissolved in 2022.
Candidate Denies Wrongdoing, Cites Bureaucratic Complexity
Speaking to journalists on Monday, December 29, 2025, Admiral Gouveia e Melo vehemently denied any personal enrichment from these contracts. “I only earned my salary,” he stated, challenging anyone to present evidence of direct financial gains. He further explained that, due to the Navy’s complex organizational structure, he was not directly involved in supplier negotiations.
“The Navy is a very complex institution,” Gouveia e melo said. “In one of the areas I led, we carried out more than seven thousand acquisition processes annually, to feed the ships, for operations, for the bases.” He emphasized the existence of an “administrative-financial structure” that handled the day-to-day procurement details,stating,”Even though I was the leader of that section (…) I’ve never dealt directly with suppliers,I’ve never talked to suppliers,I don’t know the suppliers.” He maintained that final decisions were made at lower levels, and his focus was on broader strategic concerns.
Timing Raises Suspicions
Gouveia e Melo also expressed concern over the timing of the renewed scrutiny, noting that the allegations surfaced less than three weeks before the presidential elections. “Isn’t it a coincidence? And I find this coincidence very strange,” he remarked, adding, “my integrity is the most important thing for me. I have always been honest.”
Investigation Continues, Candidate Unnotified
According to Saturday, a prosecutor requested confirmation from the PJM in June 2025 regarding the validity of their initial conclusions, despite the Court of Auditors’ pardon. The PJM reportedly reaffirmed its findings, suggesting investigators believe the facts may constitute a crime.
Notably, Gouveia e Melo stated he had not been officially notified of the investigation by the Almada DIAP. His campaign team confirmed this, but the admiral assured reporters he would fully cooperate if contacted. “I am wholly clear. Those who should not fear,” he stressed. “I have nothing to be ashamed of.” He claimed to have only heard of the company Proskipper “as of the problems you’ve now raised,” reiterating that he has no knowledge of its owners or activities.
Proskipper’s Extensive Contracts with the State
Between 2010 and 2018, Proskipper secured 137 contracts with the Portuguese state, with a substantial majority – 124 – specifically with the Navy. These contracts generated a total of 2.1 million euros for the company.
the ongoing investigation underscores the importance of openness and accountability in government procurement, particularly within critical sectors like national defense. As Admiral Gouveia e Melo continues his presidential bid, the outcome of this probe could substantially impact his campaign and future political prospects.
