The Lisboeta

Swimming instructor and uncle arrested over child abuse

Monday, 12 January 2026AI summary
Swimming instructor and uncle arrested over child abuse

Multiple outlets report arrests in separate child‑abuse cases: a swimming instructor in Lisbon was detained by the Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) on suspicion of sexual abuse of two pupils aged seven and eleven, with several reports saying the alleged offences occurred in a public pool in December. Observador and other outlets also reported a 52‑year‑old uncle arrested over alleged sexual abuse of his 15‑year‑old nephew; police said the suspect had a prior sexual‑offence record. For expats: be vigilant about safeguarding at children’s activities, check who is certified by local clubs, and report concerns to authorities or the PJ; if you need help, contact local police and child-protection services.

Context & Explainers

The Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária), commonly called PJ, is Portugal’s national criminal investigation police responsible for probing serious crimes such as violent robberies, homicides, organized crime and large‑scale fraud. It conducts forensic work, arrests and complex investigations on behalf of prosecutors and courts, which is why PJ involvement is reported in news about armed or violent store assaults.

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