Two young men who are suspected of violently robbing “elderly and vulnerable” people at knife point in several parts of the Algarve have been arrested by GNR police. Another was named an official suspect (‘arguido’).
The group is believed to have committed at least nine robberies in Faro, Olhão, Loulé and São Brás de Alportel.
Their victims would be threatened with “knives and physical violence” if they refused to hand over their wallets, cell phones, ATM cards and their respective codes.
An investigation had been ongoing for two months until six searches – including three houses searches – were carried out in Faro and São Brás de Alportel, which led to the arrests on Monday, December 18.
The men who were arrested, aged 20 and 25, had a record of extortion, embezzlement and possession of illegal firearms. They are being kept under preventive custody.
