A 20-year-old man has been arrested by the Polícia Judiciária on suspicion of committing at least eight child sexual abuse crimes and one count of threats. These incidents reportedly took place in Portimão between March and early this month.
The arrest follows the report of a missing 13-year-old girl by her mother to the authorities at the end of last week.
The PJ promptly initiated the necessary actions to locate the minor, who was found on the same day with the alleged perpetrator near a relative’s residence of the suspect.
Investigations revealed that the girl had been enticed and encouraged by the suspect to run away from home. During their time on the run, she is believed to have been subjected to significant sexual acts at various locations, including public spaces, an abandoned house without living conditions, and the home of a relative of the suspect, where they were eventually located.
Authorities indicate that there is evidence suggesting the suspect was attempting to lure the victim into another escape plan.
The detained individual will be presented for an initial judicial interrogation to determine the appropriate preventive measures.
