Three more jailed over Algarve robbery ring targeting elderly people

Three more suspects accused of belonging to an organised gang that targeted elderly and vulnerable people in the Algarve have been remanded in custody.

The two men, aged 27 and 46, and a 44-year-old woman appeared before the Faro court following their arrest on Wednesday and were placed in preventive custody, the most severe preventive measure available under Portuguese law, the GNR said.

Their arrests formed the second phase of an operation investigating a suspected robbery ring believed to have carried out a series of violent attacks against elderly and vulnerable victims in the municipalities of Olhão and Faro.

According to investigators, the group allegedly operated in an organised manner and used physical violence to rob victims.

The latest ruling means five of the six suspects arrested this week are now in custody.

Earlier this week, two 19-year-old suspects were also remanded in custody, while a 23-year-old man was released under the condition that he reports regularly to the authorities.

Over the course of the operation, the GNR arrested six people and carried out six arrest warrants, six house searches and five additional searches as part of its investigation.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.