British ‘Very Dangerous’ Criminal Among Five Prisoners Who Dared to Escape High-Security Portuguese Jail
In a brazen early morning breakout that stunned Portuguese authorities, five inmates, including a “very dangerous” British prisoner, fled Vale de Judeus prison—one of Portugal’s toughest jails, about 70 kilometres north of Lisbon. The escape, which took place on Sunday, involved outside help and a daring climb over the high prison walls using a ladder.
Meet the Fugitives: British Kidnapper, Drug Trafficker and More
Leading the escapees is Mark Cameron Roscalear, 39, a British national locked up for nine years for kidnapping and robbery. Portuguese officials have warned the public to not approach him or the other fugitives, describing Roscalear as extremely dangerous.
Other escapees include:
- Fernando Ferreira, 61, Portuguese, serving 25 years for drug trafficking and kidnapping.
- Fábio Loureiro, 33, Portuguese, jailed for 25 years for extortion and other crimes.
- Rudolf Lohrmann, 59, Argentinian, serving nearly 19 years for theft-related offences.
- Shergili Farjani, 42, Georgian, serving seven years for violent crimes and forgery.
Outside Help and Manhunt Launched
Frederico Morais, president of the National Union of Prison Guards, confirmed the escapees had outside assistance from at least three accomplices. They fled in two vehicles—a Mercedes and a Volvo—making their getaway slick and swift.
National Police Director Luis Neves called the prison break “well prepared” and warned all but one of the fugitives are highly dangerous and may do “anything to remain free,” posing a serious threat to public safety.
Security Under Scrutiny as Hunt Intensifies
The lineup of fugitives and how they pulled off the escape has raised major security questions at Vale de Judeus. Reports suggest a lack of guards at the time played a key role in the breakout. Authorities have now launched a nationwide manhunt and urged local residents to stay alert.
Portuguese police are working closely with international forces to track down the escapees and uncover how this massive security breach happened.
