Lisbon, Portugal – In a surprising turn of events, Matthias Schmelz, a fugitive from Portuguese justice for nearly seven years, was recently interviewed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) – not as a suspect, but as a complainant in a car theft case. The case highlights the complexities of pursuing justice when a suspect evades authorities and raises questions about the priorities of law enforcement.
Schmelz, known in some circles as “the vacuum cleaner king,” is wanted in Portugal on suspicion of sexual abuse of minors. Despite a warrant for his arrest, he reportedly contacted Portuguese authorities claiming his luxury vehicle had been sold without his authorization. The MP conducted the interview with Schmelz via video conference, a move that has drawn scrutiny given his fugitive status.
Fugitive Status and the Car Theft Complaint
According to reporting from CMJornal, Schmelz asserted he was speaking from Dubai, a country that does not have an extradition treaty with Portugal. This claim has not been officially confirmed by the MP. The prosecutor handling the case did not verify his location nor question him about his ongoing flight from Portuguese justice. Schmelz has also reportedly been sighted in Cabo Verde, according to sources cited in the same report.
The car theft complaint centers around a vehicle Schmelz left in Lisbon. He alleges a former friend sold the car without his permission. Although the MP proceeded with the interview regarding this latest claim, it has sparked debate about the allocation of resources and the optics of treating a fugitive as a complainant.
Parallel Investigation: Car Theft Ring in Northern Portugal
The interview with Schmelz occurred alongside a separate investigation into a car theft ring operating in Northern Portugal. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has accused five individuals of stealing vehicles and using them in robberies and burglaries of commercial establishments, as detailed in a report by Jornal de Notícias.
The ring, allegedly led by the owner of a car repair shop in Gondomar, reportedly targeted businesses and individuals transporting significant amounts of cash. Investigators found evidence that the group took precautions to avoid detection, including wearing disguises, using gloves, and employing false license plates. Between June 2023 and July 2024, the group allegedly committed crimes in Braga, Ermesinde, Maia, Matosinhos, Porto, and Vila Nova de Gaia.
The repair shop owner is accused of dismantling stolen vehicles, using some parts for repairs and discarding the rest. The group is also accused of stealing from various commercial establishments, including the theft of a jet ski.
Details of the Car Theft Operation
The investigation revealed a systematic approach to vehicle theft. According to the Procuradoria-Geral Distrital do Porto (PGDP), the suspects would “study” potential targets, focusing on commercial establishments and the routines of individuals carrying money. They would then use stolen vehicles to carry out the robberies, taking steps to avoid detection by authorities.
The PGDP statement indicates the group used “special care” to avoid being identified, including wearing disguises and using gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints. They also utilized false license plates and altered vehicle characteristics to evade detection during the robberies.
The Broader Context: Schmelz’s Allegations and Ongoing Pursuit
The fact that Schmelz was interviewed at all, despite being a fugitive, has raised eyebrows. João Amaral Santos highlighted the situation on LinkedIn, noting the unusual circumstances of a fugitive being heard as a complainant in a separate case. His post sparked discussion about the priorities of the Portuguese justice system.
Schmelz remains a suspect in the ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual abuse. The Portuguese authorities continue to seek his extradition from Dubai, but the lack of an extradition treaty presents a significant obstacle. The interview regarding the car theft does not appear to have included any questioning about his fugitive status or the allegations against him.
The next step in the car theft ring investigation is expected to be a trial date for the five accused individuals. As for Schmelz, his location remains unconfirmed, and the Portuguese authorities continue to pursue legal avenues for his return to face the charges against him. The MP has not announced any further action regarding his car theft complaint.
What we have is a developing story. Readers can discover updates on the Portuguese justice system’s website and through reputable news sources like CMJornal and Jornal de Notícias.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit their website at https://www.missingkids.org/.
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