Judicial Police detain suspect in Vale de Judeus prison escape with Kalashnikovs and €32,500
The Judicial Police have detained a 43-year-old man linked to the escape from Vale de Judeus Penitentiary in September 2024. Operation "Sapatada" resulted in 25 suspects and the seizure of automatic weapons.
Operation "Sapatada" results in detention and 25 suspects in Vale de Judeus prison escape
The Judicial Police detained on Thursday, in the Greater Lisbon area, a Portuguese national aged 43, suspected of involvement in the escape and removal of prisoners from Vale de Judeus Penitentiary. According to policiajudiciaria.pt, the detention was carried out by the National Counterterrorism Unit, based on strong evidence of the crimes of prisoner escape and illegal possession of a weapon.
The police operation, named "Sapatada" and launched by the Central Section for Combating Banditry, encompassed seven house searches and the constitution of 25 suspects.
The investigation aimed to identify all those involved in the escape that occurred on 7 September 2024, consolidate evidence already gathered and obtain new evidence. The inmates involved in that escape were subsequently recaptured between 6 October 2024 and 6 February 2025.
During the proceedings, the authorities seized two light vehicles, two automatic firearms of the Kalashnikov type, ammunition of various calibres, electronic equipment capable of interfering with radio communications, GPS signals and other transmission systems, two radios of military characteristics, two tactical helmets, a ballistic vest, a munitions reloading press and approximately €32,500 in cash, in addition to documents and other items with evidentiary relevance.
The operation mobilised approximately 70 Judicial Police investigators, mostly from the National Counterterrorism Unit, with operational support from the Northern Directorate, the Central Directorate, the Southern Directorate, the Criminal Investigation Department of Vila Real and the Weapons and Security Unit.
The detainee will be presented to the competent judicial authority on the day following detention for initial judicial questioning and possible application of the coercive measures deemed appropriate.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)