Violent gang on trial for ten Algarve robberies in 2017

The violence used in a series of robberies in Faro, Olhão and São Brás de Alportel has shocked the prosecution lawyer as four men stand trial in Faro Court for the crimes committed in 2017.

“The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Faro Court delivered the final arguments in a trial of four defendants accused of being involved in ten violent assaults during the year 2017 in isolated areas of the three municipalities.

The victims were mostly elderly, disabled and women whose lack of physical strength was a factor, as pointed out by the prosecutor.

One case referred to by the prosecutor took place in Santa Bárbara de Nexe, where two of the defendants are alleged to have entered the house of a 69-year-old man and put a knife to his neck.

They threatened him and ransacked his house before fleeing with a shotgun, money, watches, and ATM cards.

Violence almost always was a factor in the robberies, with victims suffering bruising after being punched and kicked.

The judgment is scheduled for February 4th.