A “very dangerous” British inmate is one of five prisoners who escaped from a high-security prison in Portugal. Mark Cameron Roscaleer, 39, was serving a nine-year sentence for kidnap and robbery at Vale de Judeus jail, located about 43 miles (70km) north of Lisbon.
The five inmates, aged between 33 and 61, escaped on Saturday morning with the assistance of accomplices who provided a ladder to scale the prison wall, according to the Portuguese prison service (DGRSP).
Frederico Morais, president of the National Union of Prison Guards (SNCGP), labelled Roscaleer as “very dangerous” and cautioned the public against approaching any of the escaped inmates.
Morais detailed the escape, stating that the prisoners evaded guards by jumping a net, used a ladder to reach the wall, and then climbed over it using a handmade rope.
The other fugitives include:
– Fernando Ferreira, 61, Portuguese, serving 25 years for drug trafficking, theft, robbery, and kidnapping.
– Fabio Loureiro, 33, Portuguese, sentenced to 25 years for extortion, theft, and money laundering.
– Rodolf Lohrmann, 59, Argentinian, serving 18 years and 10 months for theft, robbery, and money laundering.
– Shergili Farjiani, 42, from Georgia, serving a seven-year term for violent crimes, theft, and forgery.
According to Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias, the escapees had help from three accomplices outside the prison and fled in two cars, a Mercedes and a Volvo. Luis Neves, national director of the Judicial Police, described all but Farjiani as “very dangerous” and noted their escape was “very well prepared.”
He mentioned at a news conference on Sunday that these prisoners had attempted to escape several times before and would do “anything to remain free,” highlighting that “human life may be at stake.”
British prisoner among five to escape Portuguese jail https://t.co/d6pV45Lu1T
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) September 9, 2024
Herminio Barradas, president of the Association of Chiefs of the Prison Guards Corps (ASCCGP), described the group as “well equipped” and “determined,” attributing the escape to security lapses. He noted the absence of watchtowers for nine years and a lack of prison guards, which allowed the escape to go unnoticed despite being filmed by cameras.
Both the ASCCGP and SNCGP prison unions stated that only 20 guards were on duty, half the usual number, to oversee more than 500 inmates. Rui Abrunhosa, director-general of Portugal’s reintegration and prison services, contested this, asserting there were 33 staff members on duty.
He added that guards only realised the escape when inmates failed to return to their cells, causing a delay in alerting external authorities.
The Portuguese prison service has initiated an internal investigation into the escape.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Telegraph reports on the dramatic escape of Mark Roscaleer, a “very dangerous” British prisoner, from a high-security Portuguese jail using a handmade rope and external assistance. (read more)
- Inews.co.uk reports that a “very dangerous” British prisoner is among five inmates who escaped from a high-security prison in Portugal. The prisoners, including Mark Cameron Roscaleer, evaded capture by bypassing a perimeter net and scaling the wall with a makeshift rope. (read more)
- Euronews reports that five prisoners have escaped from a high-security prison in Portugal, with authorities warning that they are dangerous and on the hunt for international cooperation to recapture them. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Mark Cameron Roscaleer?
Mark Cameron Roscaleer is a 39-year-old British prisoner, serving nine years for kidnap and robbery.
How did the prisoners escape from the high-security prison in Portugal?
They used a ladder provided by accomplices to scale the wall and climbed over using a handmade rope.
Why are the escapees considered dangerous?
They have histories of violent crimes and are described as willing to do anything to remain free.
How many guards were reportedly on duty during the escape?
Prison unions reported 20 guards, but the director-general claimed there were 33 members of staff on duty.
What measures are being taken following the escape?
The Portuguese prison service has launched an internal investigation into the escape.