troubling

Brits planning trips to Portugal this summer have been urged to stay vigilant, as there is a ‘troubling’ scam on the rise that targets tourists

If you’re jetting off to Portugal this summer, there’s one “troubling” threat facing tourists that you need to know about. Portugal ranks among the most sought-after holiday spots for Brits, with roughly 3 million of us flocking to sun-drenched destinations such as Porto, The Algarve, and Madeira each year.

However, for those planning to chase the sunshine in the months ahead, there’s an important warning to heed. According to travel experts on social media, Portugal is grappling with a crisis that sees criminals deliberately targeting tourists to turn a quick profit – all while the nation’s cultural heritage pays the price.

Eric and Josien, a couple based in Portugal who frequently post travel content on Instagram, revealed that thieves across the country are pinching the iconic ceramic tiles adorning buildings and flogging them on the street, mainly to unsuspecting tourists who have no clue about the tiles’ origins.

The tiles, known as azulejos, are hand-painted ceramic pieces used to decorate churches, palaces, train stations, and even some residential properties. They represent a cherished element of Portugal’s culture and heritage, yet according to locals, there’s an “illegal black market” centred around stealing these tiles and hawking them on the street.

They explained: “Azulejos – those beautiful, hand-painted ceramic tiles – are one of Portugal’s most iconic and treasured art forms. Dating back over 500 years, these tiles cover churches, palaces, train stations, and even ordinary homes, turning buildings into vibrant storytellers of Portuguese history, culture, and craftsmanship.

“But behind this beauty lies a troubling reality: an illegal black market that thrives on stealing these tiles.

“Thieves often target abandoned or under-renovation buildings, or even occupied homes late at night, using special tools to remove the tiles without damaging them. Once taken, these tiles are sold as ‘vintage’ or ‘reclaimed’ pieces through online shops, antique markets, and tourist areas – sometimes even shipped abroad.

“Because buyers rarely ask where these tiles come from, and regulations around these sales are limited, thieves profit while Portugal’s heritage suffers.”

Visitors to Portugal can purchase genuine azulejos from local craftspeople throughout the country, and the Instagram duo encouraged travellers to seek out artisan boutiques rather than purchasing from street sellers.

They added: “Never buy tiles without knowing their origin. If it looks like an authentic azulejo, ask questions and proof of its source. And support local artisans and shops that create or sell new, authentic tiles.”

What are azulejos?

Azulejos are intricately decorated ceramic tiles that typically measure around 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15cm) square. They’re most commonly found in Portugal and Spain, where they’ve been crafted since the 14th century. In Portugal, the tiles have predominantly featured in religious architecture, including adorning the Coimbra Cathedral.

While Spain largely stopped making the tiles by the 18th century, Portugal pressed on, eventually shipping them to the Azores, Madeira, and Brazil. They’re now frequently manufactured in Puebla, Mexico, where they’re regarded as the finest in the Western Hemisphere.

Due to their historical and cultural importance, they’ve become a sought-after keepsake for holidaymakers visiting Portugal. That said, you should always ensure what you’re purchasing has been ethically sourced, and its origins can be verified. If you suspect the tiles being offered could be stolen, steer clear of buying them.

The Portuguese National Tourist Board has been contacted for comment.

The CPJ says the ‘lack of concrete progress’ in the FBI investigation represents a failure by the US government.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has demanded a “public progress update” from United States authorities on the FBI probe into the Israeli military’s killing of Palestinian-American Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, 51, who was shot dead in the occupied West Bank in 2022.

In an open letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI chief Kash Patel, the CPJ said on Thursday evening that “the effectively stagnant status of this case is inconsistent with ensuring the security of US citizens anywhere in the world.”

It said the “lack of concrete progress” represents a failure by the US government to respond to the “killing of one of its citizens by a foreign military”.

It noted that there had been no formal interviews with witnesses, “despite the willingness of multiple witnesses to cooperate”, and no signs of FBI activity to gather evidence in Israel or Palestine.

Longtime TV correspondent for Al Jazeera Arabic, Abu Akleh, was covering Israeli army raids in the West Bank city of Jenin when she was killed by Israeli forces on May 11, 2022. She was wearing a clearly marked press vest when she was shot dead.

Israel initially accused Palestinian fighters of her death, but the Israeli military later released a statement saying “it is not possible to unequivocally determine the source of the gunfire which hit” Abu Akleh. It added that there was a “high possibility” that she was hit by Israeli gunfire.

Many independent investigations conducted by CNN, The Associated Press news agency, and The Washington Post concluded that Abu Akleh was deliberately targeted, the CPJ letter noted.

‘Justice remains elusive’

The CPJ asked for a public update on the status of the investigation, a commitment to a timeline for the investigation, and the public release of its findings. It also said the investigation needs to be “impartial and independent, free from political considerations”.

Abu Akleh’s family said in a statement on Thursday, “despite the passage of time, justice remains elusive,” adding that the lack of justice “sends a dangerous message that journalists can be targeted without consequence”.

Abu Akleh’s death became a symbol of the wider Palestinian struggle. Murals of her have adorned the cities of the occupied territory as people remember her for her fearless reporting.

Since her killing, Israel has killed 258 journalists and media workers, the CPJ reported. Israel has acknowledged killing a number of journalists, alleging they had links to armed groups, accusations their employers deny and the CPJ calls “deadly smears”.

“The prevailing culture of complete impunity enjoyed by Israel is a direct factor in the continued targeting of journalists without deterrence,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director. “Without an independent investigation and real accountability, such attacks will only continue to escalate, emboldening those who seek to silence the truth through violence.”