Between 2017 and May 2021, the partner of Portuguese state-owned bank CGD in Banco Interatlântico (Cape Verde), carried out environmental crimes across more than 2 hectares of land located near Biscaia that is supposedly one of the most highly-protected in the country (Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Rede Natura 2000 and National Ecological Reserve).

This was first reported in 2017 to the Cascais Municipality and to the Public Prosecutor. The continued illegal works were again reported in June 2021 to the Cascais Municipality and the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and the Forests, this time with extensive photographic detail including satellite imagery.

Nothing has happened. The ICNF has not commented. The Cascais Municipality even denies that the events took place, as if the photographic evidence was a matter of opinion. Protected sources confirm that unofficial but very specific plans exist for a tourist resort to be built.

Across the 11-member board that governs the Cascais Municipality, only one member has demanded an investigation and for justice to be served. Unsurprisingly, this governor is a member of neither the majority governing party nor the main opposition party.