As a result 30 individuals were identified as defendants and close to 1,500 cars were seized, the largest number of car seizes in the history of the GNR.

Several dozen pieces of gold and other items were also confiscated during the operation, which along with the vehicles had an estimated total worth of around €44 million.

In a statement released yesterday the force said the individuals were suspected of crimes including criminal association, qualified tax fraud and money laundering.

Searches took place on 91 establishments including law and accountancy firms in the districts of Lisbon, Santarém, Setúbal and Faro.