The 34-year-old defendant was present in court on Monday at the first judicial interrogation at the Faro Criminal Instruction court, which also determined the prohibition of contact with the 31-year-old victim, according to a statement from the Faro District Attorney.

The suspect's arrest followed a warrant issued by the Department of Investigation and Criminal Action (DIAP) of Faro, after an investigation by the Judiciary Police, which carried out the arrest.

The abduction, which took place at the end of April, was related to the sale of a high-end vehicle to the victim and the fact that his payment “was in default”.

According to the Public Ministry, “the suspect and three individuals went to the victim's workplace”, in Alcoutim, and, at the location, they approached the victim, “punching and kicking” him.

The men “put the victim into a car” and transported him to Loulé, from where he managed to escape.