Portuguese judicial police are continuing their investigation into the events of Tuesday's robbery in Lisbon, now seeking international cooperation to track down the remaining gang members, who remain at large.
The deceased, identified as a man wanted in Portugal for multiple armed robberies, was a longstanding member of an international crime ring responsible for similar attacks in several European capitals, according to sources cited by Portuguese media. He reportedly travelled almost exclusively by land to avoid detection, allowing him to move across borders without attracting attention.
The group, sometimes referred to by authorities as the Rolex Gang, typically targeted victims displaying signs of wealth, often following them as they left luxury hotels. Their attacks involved violent ambushes using both knives and firearms to rob valuables.
On Tuesday around 1pm, four men ambushed a motorist on Avenida de Berlim in the Portuguese capital. The assault began with a deliberate minor collision to force the driver out of his vehicle, followed by the arrival of accomplices on a second motorcycle.
In a matter of seconds, the two occupants of the car were robbed of two Rolex watches, a necklace, and three bracelets – items together estimated to be worth €100,000.
This time, however, the targeted driver decided to fight back. He pursued the four robbers in his car and ultimately struck one of the motorcycles. In the ensuing chaos, one of the criminals was run over by a third vehicle not involved in the pursuit, later dying from his injuries.
Three members of the gang remain on the run. Police sources believe not all have been identified and suggest they may have fled abroad. Portuguese authorities are working with international police agencies that have long tracked this network of South American origin.
The driver, a Luxembourg-born property developer in his forties based in northern Portugal, has cooperated with investigators. He has now been formally charged, released, placed under house arrest, and is required to report regularly to authorities while being prohibited from leaving his residence.
He could face charges of either voluntary homicide or aggravated assault leading to the death of his attacker.
