Portuguese police detained Diogo Gaspar, director of the country's Museum of the Presidency of the Republic, on Thursday for suspected financial crimes, according to the Portuguese president's website.

Gaspar, who is suspected of influence peddling, falsification of documents, and abuse of power, will stand before an investigating magistrate, according to the statement by the country's prosecutor's office.

The investigation began in April 2015, and involves around 30 police officers and eight judges.

Several searches took place in Lisbon, and the police officers seized several artistic and cultural goods.

Gaspar has been the head of the museum since 2001 and was awarded the Order of Santiago in February this year by former President Anibal Cavaco Silva.