VdA‘s ’highly experienced, reliable’ investigations and white-collar crime practice handles the full range of complex regulatory and criminal investigations. Public and private sector clients, particularly in the banking, energy and telecoms industries, rely on the team for its ‘specialised’ knowledge of tax evasion, money laundering, fraud and embezzlement matters. Practice head Sofia Ribeiro Branco focuses on white-collar and corporate crime, with further experience in regulatory offences. Joana Bernardo and Inês Sotto Mayor advise on high-profile criminal cases and regulatory litigation, while also covering compliance and anti-corruption programmes, internal audits and whistleblowing.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team has recognised competence and, regarding availability, we consider it to be at the highest level. It provides high-quality support to the processes entrusted to it, acquiring detailed knowledge of them with remarkable speed and efficiency.’
‘A highly experienced and professional team, reliable, very knowledgeable about procedural rules, and with great rigour in analysing the facts of each case.’
‘The VdA team is composed of highly specialised professionals, such as Beatriz Duarte Santos, a senior associate who has demonstrated unparalleled ability in managing complex processes. Rigour and attention to detail in document analysis and process preparation. Knowledge of practical solutions to advance the process. Regular monitoring and updates. Ability to respond quickly.’
‘Beatriz Duarte Santos demonstrates technical rigour and mastery of criminal procedure, with a special focus on economic crime and cybercrime. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Proactive and providing continuous support, demonstrating availability and attention to detail at all stages of the process.’
‘VdA combines specialised technical knowledge with practical field experience. These cases are typically very complex, involving criminal, tax, corporate, and financial law, requiring a rigorous and in-depth reading of the law. At the same time, experience in litigation and investigations with authorities and regulators gives the firm the ability to find effective solutions and protect clients' interests in high-pressure situations.’
‘Sofia Ribeiro Branco and Patrícia Lemos Peixoto's team has demonstrated a solid technical command of the law, strategic ability to anticipate scenarios, rigour and attention to detail, clarity in communication, agility in reasoning, ethics and professional commitment, as well as empathy and human sensitivity in assisting clients.’

Key clients

Altice
REN
ENGIE/Movhera
Futebol Clube do Porto
DOYEN
Clube de Futebol Marítimo
CTT
Caixa de Crédito Agrícola
EDP
Montepio

Work highlights

Representing several Altice Group companies in Portugal in an ongoing criminal investigation into the conduct of members of Altice Group for corruption in the private sector, tax fraud, forgery and money laundering.

Assisting REN Group in a pending criminal investigation for the crimes of trading in influence, corruption and malpractice, related to concessions for lithium mining, a green hydrogen production plant project and a data centre project.

Representing Futebol Clube do Porto in a variety of criminal proceedings, namely the 'Pretoriano' case.