Operation Sapatada: Judicial Police arrests suspect over Vale de Judeus prison escape and seizes weapons
The Judicial Police have arrested a Portuguese man suspected of involvement in the escape of five inmates from Vale de Judeus prison in September 2024. Seven searches were conducted and 25 individuals were constituted as defendants.
Judicial Police arrest suspect over Vale de Judeus escape in operation involving 70 investigators
The Judicial Police have arrested a Portuguese national in the investigation into the escape of five inmates from Vale de Judeus Prison, which took place on 7 September 2024, according to 24noticias.sapo.pt. The suspect faces strong evidence of the crimes of aiding the escape of prisoners and possession of prohibited weapons.
The arrest was part of Operation "Sapatada", conducted by the National Counter-Terrorism Unit through the Central Section for Combating Banditry. The operation involved approximately 70 Judicial Police investigators, with support from the regional directorates of the North, Centre and South, the Criminal Investigation Department of Vila Real and the Weapons and Security Unit. Seven residential searches were conducted and 25 individuals were constituted as defendants.
During the investigation, officers seized two light vehicles, two fully automatic Kalashnikov-type firearms and various ammunition of different calibres. Electronic equipment capable of interfering with radio communications, mobile phones and GPS signals was also collected, as well as two communication radios with military characteristics.
Other material seized included two tactical helmets, one ballistic vest, a cartridge reloading press, approximately 32,500 euros in cash and various documents and objects considered relevant to the investigation.
According to the Judicial Police, the investigation aims to clarify the circumstances of the escape and removal of prisoners from Vale de Judeus. The five inmates involved have been recaptured between 6 October 2024 and 6 February 2025.
The arrested individual is due to appear this Wednesday before the competent judicial authority for initial judicial questioning and possible application of appropriate restrictive measures.
Source: RTP