Operation "Hidden Network": two defendants accused of 35 thefts in Aveiro and Viseu
The Public Prosecution Service will bring two men detained in June to trial for 35 theft crimes in the districts of Aveiro and Viseu, with estimated losses of 88,000 euros.
Charges over 35 theft crimes following GNR operation in Aveiro and Viseu
The Public Prosecution Service will bring to trial two men detained in June as part of Operation "Hidden Network", accused of 35 theft crimes — both aggravated and simple — committed in the districts of Aveiro and Viseu, the GNR announced on Wednesday. As reported by Correio da Manhã, the financial advantage resulting from the criminal activity was quantified by the Public Prosecution Service at approximately 88,000 euros.
The two main suspects, aged 47 and 51, have been in pre-trial detention since the date of their arrest, a situation in which they remain.
Targets in rural and isolated areas
During approximately four months of investigation, GNR officers established that the suspects acted in the municipalities of Vale de Cambra, Oliveira de Azeméis, Sever do Vouga, Albergaria-a-Velha and Oliveira de Frades. The crimes primarily targeted rural and isolated localities, with victims including parish councils, churches, chapels, associations, residences, agricultural outbuildings, industrial facilities and various commercial establishments.
An analysis of the evolution of crime in the affected areas revealed an increase of approximately 60 per cent in incidents between January and April 2026. Following the arrest of the suspects and the application of pre-trial detention, a reduction of approximately 81.25 per cent in property crimes was recorded in the previously affected areas.
The GNR emphasised that the arrest "resulted in a reduction of more than 80 per cent in crime recorded in the affected areas".
Searches and seizures
During the course of the investigation, searches were carried out which resulted in the seizure of five firearms, three mopeds, one vehicle, gold items, six thousand euros in cash, machinery, tools and drugs.
In addition to the two arrested individuals, the GNR charged a 40-year-old woman on suspicion of collaborating in the criminal activity. Three men, aged between 37 and 58, were also charged on suspicion of committing the crime of receiving stolen goods.
GNR highlights coordination with judicial authorities
In a statement, the GNR emphasised that Operation "Hidden Network" constitutes "an example of the importance of coordination between the GNR and the judicial authorities, whose coordinated and timely action made it possible to link criminal phenomena initially dispersed, consolidate the evidence necessary for criminal prosecution and interrupt a repeated criminal activity".
The Guard added that the result achieved is "particularly relevant because it concerns criminality that predominantly targeted rural communities and isolated localities".
Source: Correio da Manhã