Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves is facing scrutiny over renovation works at a property in São Teotónio, Odemira, which have cost 27,483 euros to date. According to records from the e-fatura portal provided to Observador, the expenses were billed to AL-Campos, a sole proprietorship owned by Neves’ wife.
Construbarcelos Payments and the PJ Connection
Between February 11 and February 20, 2025, the company Construbarcelos, owned by contractor João Carvalho, issued two invoices of 2,500 euros each, totaling 5,000 euros. These invoices were billed to the company owned by the minister’s wife.
Luís Neves has declined to provide specific payment receipts for these amounts to Observador. A source from the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) stated that the minister views the registration of invoices on the tax authority’s e-fatura portal as proof of payment.
However, the source notes that e-fatura records only confirm an invoice was issued, not how it was paid—whether by check, bank transfer, or cash. Neves stated in a declaration that the works were not large enough to require a formal project or contract.
Timeline of the Relationship Between Neves and Carvalho
The relationship began in 2023 when Neves, then national director of the PJ, met João Carvalho during a visit to the Criminal Investigation Department in Guarda. The work there was delayed, and Carvalho cited serious family problems and emotional instability as the cause.
Neves later sought advice from Carvalho regarding a second home in São Teotónio, which he and his wife had purchased in 2023. He claims he hired Carvalho because the firm was registered with the National Security Office, a requirement for PJ tenders.
“It offered me guarantees, since it was a company validated by an independent state body with responsibility for security,” Neves stated in a declaration sent to Observador.
Property Details and Renovation Costs
The controversy centers on a property acquired in 2023 to expand Local Lodging (Alojamento Local) operations. Renovation work began in 2024, with initial invoices from February, March, and April 2024 totaling approximately 2,900 euros.
These early costs involved materials from Odemira, São Teotónio, and a company in Barcelos called M. Rodrigues & Filhos. In 2025, the total for the São Teotónio property reached 12,434.72 euros, with the Construbarcelos invoices making up nearly half of that sum.
A separate property in São Teotónio, inherited by Neves’ wife and renovated over a decade ago, is already operated as Local Lodging by AL-Campos.
Potential Next Steps
Because the renovations are not yet finished, Construbarcelos may still issue further invoices for services rendered. The minister has already indicated that additional payments to the company are still pending.
Further scrutiny could focus on the exact method of payment for the 5,000 euro February invoices, as the current reliance on e-fatura records does not specify the financial instrument used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much have the renovations cost so far?
According to e-fatura records provided to Observador, the total cost for materials and construction services billed to AL-Campos is 27,483 euros.
Why did Luís Neves hire João Carvalho?
Neves stated he hired the contractor because the company was validated by the National Security Office, which he described as a guarantee of security.
What is the link between the contractor and the PJ?
Construbarcelos held contracts with the PJ between 2019 and 2025. By 2023, the company had won contracts worth 1.5 million euros, representing 70% of the total awarded to the firm.
Should public officials be required to provide bank transfer receipts for private works when the contractor has previous state ties?
