Latest news and stories about kidnapping in Portugal for expats and residents.
The detainee, who allegedly had a romantic relationship with the victim, has already appeared for an initial interrogation: he denied the crime but admitted to providing information for the execution of a kidnapping and extortion plan.
The suspect in the kidnapping of the businessman knew the routines of Ricardo Claro, who has been missing for a week. He confesses to the robbery and accuses two accomplices who fled to Brazil.
The Judiciary Police (PJ) announced this Friday, March 20, that they have arrested a man suspected of kidnapping and robbery. The arrest is linked to the disappearance of 50-year-old Ricardo Claro, an administrative and human resources director at a luxury restaurant in Vale do Lobo, who has been unreachable since March 13. The PJ stated there is strong evidence the disappearance was not voluntary and that a criminal plan was devised to deprive the victim of his liberty to steal his valuables. Search operations are ongoing in the eastern Algarve to locate the victim. The victim's sister previously noted on social media that bank records indicated he had been robbed, and his vehicle was found in Olhão on Thursday. The 39-year-old suspect, reportedly a colleague of the victim, will face judicial questioning.
A spokesperson said they believe the release of the 69-year-old businessman is the result of pressure exerted by police authorities during investigations to solve the crime.
The family had launched a public petition for his release.
The suspect was captured on Monday in Matosinhos after a week on the run.
The suspect holds a law degree and was caught with over €100,000 in his car.
A man suspected of abducting his three‑year‑old daughter was detained by Portugal’s Polícia Judiciária (PJ) in Matosinhos, near Porto. The case is under investigation.
A 42-year-old man sought refuge with his daughter in a mountain shelter in the Montalegre area, but was apprehended in Matosinhos.
The suspect is a former banker and holds a law degree.
The GNR received an anonymous tip about Maria Amaral and informed the Judiciary Police (PJ). The Counter-Terrorism Unit has been deployed to the scene.
The suspects, aged 20 and 26, detained the victim and subjected them to severe assaults to collect a debt. A firearm, drugs and drug‑trafficking paraphernalia were seized.
The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) arrested two suspects. The victim was taken to a wasteland where they were subjected to multiple physical assaults.
