Eleven members of the Fundão fire brigade were arrested on Tuesday, November 25, suspected of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old man.

The crimes reportedly occurred within the fire station during a hazing incident involving the new member of the brigade.

According to a statement from the Judicial Police, the members of the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Fundão are suspected of committing, on two separate occasions, within the stations of Fundão and Soalheira, two crimes of rape and one of sexual coercion.

The incidents took place in September and were reported to the authorities by the victim himself, supported by the Command of the brigade, which, according to the police, “fully collaborated with the authorities throughout.”

The victim, a young 19-year-old firefighter, was subjected to “violent sexual acts during a questionable hazing.”

The detainees will be presented to the competent judicial authority for the application of appropriate coercive measures.

The investigation is being led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Castelo Branco.