PSP investigates Colombian gang link to robberies at Praia da Rocha
The Public Security Police is examining whether robberies in the nightlife area of Praia da Rocha in Portimão are connected to a Colombian organised crime cell based in Spain.
PSP investigates Colombian gang link to robberies at Praia da Rocha
The Public Security Police is examining whether robberies in the nightlife area of Praia da Rocha in Portimão are connected to a Colombian organised crime cell based in Spain. The spate of robberies has already resulted in more than 50 complaints to the authorities.
The modus operandi of the thieves resembles that used during the "Rock in Rio" festival in the capital, where four people were detained by the PSP and later remanded in custody. In that case, the group operated around major music events.
In Portimão, the criminals took advantage of a music festival that attracted thousands of spectators. The victims told the PSP that they were subjected to pushing in the venue and in the bar area, only later realising that their high-end mobile phones had been stolen.
The devices were quickly switched off, the SIM cards removed and the phones wrapped in aluminium foil. The estimated total loss stands at around 50,000 euros. Investigators suspect that the proceeds of the crime were removed from the location in a vehicle, in an approach comparable to that in Lisbon.
The hypothesis of Colombian mafia involvement is considered strong by the authorities. The investigation remains in the charge of PSP criminal elements.
Source: Correio da Manhã
Source: Correio da Manhã