Portuguese rice businessman and off-road racing driver Paulo Caseiro has been ordered by a court in Santarém to state within 24 hours whether he can move to a new address, as he faces eviction from his home following domestic violence allegations by his former girlfriend.
The 53-year-old entrepreneur is contesting the judicial decision that requires him to leave his residence. The Santarém court notified Caseiro to confirm if he has an alternative dwelling so that coercive measures imposed during the domestic violence proceedings can be fully executed.
According to judicial notifications issued by the court in Santarém, the requirement for an alternative address was established to enforce the precautionary conditions attached to the ongoing investigation involving Caseiro and his ex-partner.
Legal status under Portuguese criminal law
Caseiro has been formally designated as an arguido in the case. Under the Portuguese Code of Criminal Procedure, the formal status of arguido identifies an individual as an official suspect in a criminal investigation. The designation provides specific procedural safeguards and constitutional guarantees, including the right to legal representation and the right to remain silent, while allowing judicial authorities to apply precautionary measures.
Coercive measures in domestic violence proceedings under Portuguese law can include mandatory distance requirements, prohibitions on contacting the complainant, and orders directing the suspect to vacate a shared or primary residence to protect the alleged victim.
Business and motorsport career in Ribatejo
Caseiro is a prominent business figure in Ribatejo, a historic agricultural region situated along the Tagus River in central Portugal. The area is widely recognized for its extensive agricultural production, particularly its large-scale rice farming operations.
In addition to his commercial activities in the agricultural sector, Caseiro is known as an all-terrain driver competing in side-by-side vehicles, commonly abbreviated as SSV. These lightweight four-wheel off-road buggies feature prominently in cross-country rallies and national motorsport championships across Portugal.
Court proceedings and next steps
Following the formal notification from the Santarém court, Caseiro has a 24-hour window to report whether alternative housing is available to satisfy the judicial requirements while he continues to contest the order requiring him to leave his home.
