PJ seeks international cooperation to apprehend accomplice of 'Rolex gang' in Lisbon
Lisbon's PJ requested help from European and South American authorities to prevent the fugitive linked to the robbery on Avenida de Berlim in August from escaping.
PJ seeks international cooperation to capture suspect in luxury watch theft network
The Judicial Police (PJ) in Lisbon has requested support from European and South American counterparts to prevent the accomplice of the assailant who died on 25 August on Avenida de Berlim in Lisbon after being struck by a motor vehicle from fleeing. The request, disclosed by Diário de Notícias and confirmed by Correio da Manhã with several police sources, comes within the scope of the investigation into the armed attack on a wealth manager and his companion, a real estate broker.
The pair, of Brazilian origin, stole two Rolex watches, a necklace and three gold bracelets from the victim and the woman accompanying him. The items were valued at approximately 100,000 euros. It was possible to recover practically all of the objects at the scene, with the exception of the real estate broker's watch, which remains unfound.
Investigators from the PJ's Lisbon Directorate have already identified the two men involved in the robbery and concluded that they belong to an organised network with South American roots. The scenario of the fugitive suspect fleeing the country — as well as any potential accomplices — is considered increasingly likely. The international appeal launched by the PJ aims, in the first instance, to formally identify the suspects and, in a second phase, to proceed with their arrest.
The Portuguese Public Prosecutor's Office has long been monitoring the activity of organised groups dedicated to the theft and violent robbery of luxury items, particularly in the metropolitan areas of Lisbon and Porto. There are numerous criminal inquiries open relating to this type of criminality, some of which have already resulted in heavy convictions for the accused.
Source: Correio da Manhã