A judge in Lisbon today ordered the release of two prisoners in a corruption scandal, including the outgoing prime minister’s former chief of staff Antonio Costa of Portugal.

Portuguese authorities are investigating their involvement in alleged irregularities in the government’s handling of deals involving lithium and hydrogen programs, as well as a data collection center.

The investigation into the case led to the resignation of Prime Minister Antonio Costa and the announcement of early elections to be held on March 10.

Prosecutors had asked for the detention of Vitor Escaria, the prime minister’s former chief of staff, and Diogo Lacerda Masado, an adviser to Antonio Costa’s personal friend, to be extended.

THE Lacerda Masado he was released on bail of 150,000 euros, while Eskaria was banned from leaving the country, the court announced.

Prosecutors have formally named other officials as suspects in the case, but none have been taken into custody. Among the suspects are Infrastructure Minister João Galamba and the head of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) Nuno Lacasta.