Dangerous fugitive arrested in Torrevieja
Suspect laundered money via a local restaurant
EUROPOL formed part of an operation to snatch a dangerous Belgian fugitive who was hiding out in Torrevieja.
A Guardia Civil video filmed during the operation shows around a dozen armed officers in bulletproof vests and protective clothing breaking into a property to arrest the 34 year old, who is suspected of carrying out more than 20 robberies with extreme violence, as well as drug trafficking and the illegal trade of firearms.
According to Europol, he laundered the illicit proceeds from his crimes in Belgium via a restaurant in Spain.
A spokesman for Europol explained that this was a ‘cashintensive business’ and the money was then invested in real estate. A European Arrest Warrant was issued after the 34 year old escaped from Belgium in January.
“The suspect belonged to an organised crime group,” noted the spokesman.
“When the Belgian Federal Police suspected the fugitive could be hiding in Torrevieja, they requested the cooperation of the Guardia Civil, who launched an investigation and surveillance activities."
A spokesman for the Guardia Civil noted that the man, who held Belgian nationality, originally hailed from Morocco. He explained that the suspect and his gang had used ‘excessive’ violence while carrying out their criminal activities.
“In order to hide from the authorities he had taken on the identity of his brother, who he closely resembled,” said the spokesman.
He explained that the man had been living in two homes and a business premises to throw the security forces off his trail.
However, officers located him at the end of August.
The spokesman noted that up to 30 officers were used to watch him and ensure he did not carry out violent crimes in the area.
After three months of investigations they were ready to arrest him last week.
Three houses and a restaurant were searched, resulting in the closure of the restaurant used to launder the money and the freezing of bank accounts and two properties.
Numerous documents, electronic devices, credit cards and a substantial amount of cash and a vehicle were seized.
A Torrevieja judge has sent the suspect to prison on remand while the extradition process runs its course.
The spokesman noted that the security forces have arrested 16 other suspects linked to the gang run by the suspect arrested in Torrevieja.