Navy Blues

So the long arm of the law has finally caught up with corruption in the Portuguese Navy. Everybody knows it happens, but it has never been convenient to look too closely. After all, who would volunteer to investigate people who have unlimited access to arms and explosives.

The question is whether this is just scratching the surface, or if the can of worms is now open. One of the captains had just bought a Mercedes (wow!), which is too ostentatious for his salary level. But there are many more, mostly quartermasters staff, who don't necessarily have Mercedes, but have a nice house, cars for all family members, frequent holidays. Postings to those positions are highly sought-after and involve severance payments to the previous incumbent.

Of course, the charges may be unfounded. In five to ten years we will find out. In the meantime, I wonder how many people on the south side of the river have been sleeping badly this week.