Former Aveiro Health Unit President Detained Over Corruption Suspicions

Ricardo Correia de Matos, the former president of the Unidade Local de Saúde (ULS) da Região de Aveiro, was detained by the Polícia Judiciária on Monday, November 9, 2026. The detention is linked to an investigation known as operation Batas & Betão. Following the arrest, the Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, dismissed Ricardo Correia de Matos from his position on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Ricardo Correia de Matos was later brought for questioning at the Coimbra Court on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Investigation Details and Suspicions

The investigation is examining allegations of a scheme where contracts were awarded to specific companies to simulate competition. According to Diário de Aveiro, Ricardo Correia de Matos is suspected of several offenses, including active and passive corruption, influence peddling, abuse of power, and economic participation in business. Furthermore, Público reported that the investigation includes details regarding the construction of a house in Praia da Barra as a bribe.

The investigation has already involved other individuals. Two businessmen detained as part of operation Batas & Betão were released on Friday, November 13, 2026. The Public Ministry has requested a deprivation of liberty measure for Ricardo Correia de Matos. The investigation also looks into previous activities of the former official, as Ricardo Correia de Matos was previously the regional president of the Center section of the Ordem dos Enfermeiros.

Management and Financial Oversight

The investigation has highlighted specific financial transactions involving the ULS Aveiro. In August 2026, the ULSRA conducted two direct award procedures to hire the law firm Pedro Vaz Mendes & Associados for legal advisory services. These two contracts were valued at €60,000 and €39,000. The investigation into the management of the health unit is part of a broader scrutiny of public administration.

To ensure healthcare continuity, the remaining members of the ULS Aveiro board of directors will remain in their positions. This board includes Daniela Chaló, the clinical director; Lara Sutil, the clinical director for primary health care; Pedro Simões, the financial officer; and Andreia Marques, the nursing director. The members of the ULS Aveiro Board of Directors stated that they are aware of their duty of institutional loyalty and reaffirmed their principles of integrity and dedication to public service. They also stated that they will continue their duties with zeal and responsibility to ensure healthcare continuity.

Related Legal Proceedings

This investigation occurs alongside other legal matters involving the Ordem dos Enfermeiros. In a separate case, the Public Ministry is investigating 13 defendants. This case involves allegations regarding €63,000 allegedly embezzled from the Ordem dos Enfermeiros. According to Público, the leadership involved in these matters includes Luís Filipe Barreira and Ana Rita Cavaco, the former president of the Ordem dos Enfermeiros.

Glossary

• Praia da Barra — Praia da Barra is a location in Bahia (BA).
• Coimbra Court — The Coimbra Court of Appeals is a judicial body. It was where José de Sousa Mendes served as a judge.
• Public Ministry — The Public Ministry is an entity that conducts investigations. In Peru, it has investigated companies for suspicion of benefiting from public works contracts through illegal agreements.
• Ordem dos Enfermeiros — The Ordem dos Enfermeiros is a professional association for nurses. Registration with such associations is a requisite for the legal practice of the profession.