Portuguese Doctor Arrested in €3 Million Fraud Scheme Involving Weight-Loss Drug Prescriptions
Lisbon, Portugal – November 19, 2025 – A Portuguese endocrinologist has been arrested on suspicion of fraudulently prescribing anti-diabetic drugs, including Ozempic, Victoza, and Trulicity, to individuals without diabetes for weight loss purposes, resulting in an estimated €3 million loss to the Portuguese state.
Dr. Graça Vargas, identified as the main suspect, allegedly prescribed over 65,000 packages of the medications to 1,914 people, making her the country’s top prescriber of these drugs, according to CNN Portugal. The arrest is part of “Operation obélix,” launched by the Portuguese Judicial Police (PJ).
Authorities allege the scheme involved falsifying patient data within prescription software to obtain reimbursement from Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS). The SNS covers up to 95% of the medication’s cost for patients with type 2 diabetes. By falsely claiming diabetic status for non-diabetic patients,the suspects fraudulently obtained co-payment fees.
The PJ statement indicates the crimes involve qualified fraud and computer fraud, with evidence suggesting the involvement of two doctors, a lawyer, and a medical clinic believed to be operating as fronts.
INFARMED, the Portuguese government’s health products watchdog, notes that these medications are authorized for patients with “insufficiently controlled” type 2 diabetes and have faced availability issues since 2022 due to increased demand, including off-label use for weight loss and obesity treatment.
Alongside dr.Vargas’s arrest, police executed search warrants at homes, a lawyer’s office, accountancy firms, two companies, and a health clinic. Dr. Vargas is currently awaiting questioning in court. The PJ has not yet released further details regarding the ongoing investigation.
