Four suspects detained for arson attacks on trucks in Braga, Portugal

The Polícia Judiciária (PJ) arrested four individuals in connection with two arson attacks on company trucks in the parish of Celeirós, Braga, on the early mornings of 7 and 8 February 2026. The operation, named “Flash Poker” and carried out with the GNR, found that the fires caused several thousand euros in damage to the vehicles and threatened assets worth hundreds of thousands of euros, as the flames could have spread to nearby parked trucks. One blaze ignited near a forested area, endangering woodland, agricultural fields and nearby homes.

Investigators also linked the four suspects to multiple rural fires recorded in the Braga region throughout 2025 and early 2026, suggesting a pattern of arson motivated by revenge and a fascination with fire. The suspects were detained without being caught in the act and will appear before a court for their first interrogation and the imposition of precautionary measures.