In a daring breakout that has shocked Portuguese authorities, five inmates, including a “very dangerous” British prisoner, have escaped from the high-security Vale de Judeus prison, located approximately 70 kilometres north of Lisbon. The escape occurred early Sunday morning, with reports indicating that the prisoners had outside help.
Among the escapees is 39-year-old Mark Cameron Roscalear, a British national serving a nine-year sentence for kidnapping and robbery. Portuguese officials have described Roscalear as highly dangerous, urging the public not to approach him or the other fugitives if spotted. Frederico Morais, president of the National Union of Prison Guards, confirmed that the inmates received external assistance, which enabled them to scale the prison walls using a ladder.
The other escapees include:
- Fernando Ferreira, 61, Portuguese, serving 25 years for multiple offences including drug trafficking and kidnapping.
- Fábio Loureiro, 33, Portuguese, was jailed for 25 years for extortion and other crimes.
- Rudolf Lohrmann, 59, Argentinian, serving nearly 19 years for theft and related crimes.
- Shergili Farjani, 42, Georgian national, serving seven years for violent crimes and forgery.
According to Portuguese news outlet Jornal de Notícias, the prisoners were aided by at least three accomplices and fled the scene in two vehicles, a Mercedes and a Volvo.
Luis Neves, national director of the Judicial Police, described the escape as “well prepared” and emphasized the seriousness of the situation. All but one of the escapees are considered very dangerous,” he said, adding that the fugitives are likely willing to “do anything to remain free,” potentially putting public safety at risk.
Authorities have launched a nationwide manhunt, and local residents are being urged to remain vigilant. The breakout has also raised significant concerns about security measures at the Vale de Judeus facility. Reports suggest that a lack of guards at the time of the escape may have contributed to the prisoners’ ability to flee.
As the search intensifies, Portuguese law enforcement agencies are working with international counterparts to recapture the escapees and investigate the circumstances that led to this alarming breach in security.
