A 70-year-old martial arts master has been arrested in Loures, suspected of committing 30 aggravated sexual abuse crimes against children and 289 sexual abuse offenses involving a 15-year-old in a “particularly vulnerable situation,” PJ police have announced.
The suspect – who has taught martial arts for 50 years, training both children and adults – is believed to have abused the young girl who had trained with him daily since the age of 12.
Authorities say the man exploited his authority over the young athlete, coercing her into sexual abuse for over two years.
The victim eventually confided in her mother, who sought legal assistance and reported the abuse to the PJ criminal police force.
Following the report, PJ’s team specialising in sexual crimes launched an urgent investigation, focusing on the location where the abuse reportedly occurred. Further inquiries confirmed the existence of additional victims, PJ say in a statement.
The suspect is set to appear before judicial authorities for preliminary interrogation, after which preventive measures will be applied.
