On 11th October the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF), following an investigation into a network of citizens from Eastern Europe, suspected of carrying out burglaries in homes, arrested six persons through executing judicial arrest warrants and conducted searches in Viseu, Ovar, Vila Nova de Gaia, Santa Marta de Penaguião and Régua.
Under the operation “Lockpick” an additional three persons were made defendants and a large amount of money, various valuables, including jewellery, false documents and various tools designed to break in to houses seized..
The criminal organization of international nature which was dismantled, is part of the so-called “Mafia of Thieves in Law”, comprising Caucasus crime professionals working throughout Europe.
Acting in concert, the criminal group entered Portugal and remained here, operating from north to south, specializing in the opening of all types of locks used inside homes, taking their money and high value objects.
In operation “lockpick” 40 operational SEF staff were deployed, with the collaboration of PSP in their geographical areas through the execution of warrants.
The detainees will be brought to the Judge of the Criminal Court of Lisbon Central, in view of the judicial examination and application of enforcement measures.