A 39-year-old man suspected of the kidnapping and robbery of a restauranteur who disappeared a week ago in the Algarve has been remanded in custody, authorities confirmed on Monday, 23rd March.
The suspect is a former employee of the popular Well restaurant, located within the luxury Vale do Lobo resort in Almancil, in the municipality of Loulé. The victim, Ricardo Claro, 50, serves as a managing director at the same establishment.
Investigators believe the suspect acted with another former employee, who has since fled to Brazil.
The suspect was apprehended last Wednesday by the Southern Directorate of the Judicial Police (PJ) and formally detained the following day. In a statement, the PJ said the man is suspected of kidnapping and robbery in connection with the disappearance of the 50-year-old man in the Faro area, who has been uncontactable since 13th March.
Authorities said there is “strong evidence” that the disappearance was not voluntary. Investigators believe the crime involved a premeditated plan to deprive the victim of his liberty in order to steal valuables in his possession, or otherwise accessible to him.
According to earlier reports, Mr. Claro was ambushed near his home in Faro on the evening of 13th March, after leaving his mother’s house at around 9pm. A first bank transaction using his card was recorded shortly after 10pm that same night.
From Faro, the suspects are believed to have travelled to the restaurant in Vale do Lobo. They allegedly waited until closing time, entered the premises and accessed a safe, which was opened using the victim’s code.
They then drove to Olhão, where they abandoned Claro’s vehicle. CCTV footage captured parts of their movements, including the disposal of clothing in a rubbish container. The victim was no longer in the car, which was later recovered.
Investigators recovered several items, including the keys to the victim’s Peugeot 2008, jackets belonging to the businessman, and adhesive tape. The suspects are believed to have continued to Lisbon in another vehicle, making several bank transactions along the way using the victim’s cards.
Ricardo Claro remains missing, and authorities have not yet determined whether he was transported by the suspects during the journey to Vale do Lobo or held at another location while the robbery and financial transactions were carried out.
Source: JN
