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Spanish police commissioner confirms Estepona is hub for international criminals
| Published: | 4 Oct at 6 PM |
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According to Spain’s commissioner of police, violent crimes including shootings are the norm in Estepona.
Commissioner Fernando Calleja made his comments in the morning of the day when hundreds of expats, citizens and tourists fled in panic after hearing shots and witnessing a kidnapping from a beachside restaurant at 10.45 that night. He reported that, due to the huge amount of money to be made, the popular destination is a hub for criminals who steal everything from suitcases to valuable watches, jewellery and cash from residents as well as tourists. Activities by international criminals, drug dealers and members of organised crime gangs are responsible for vendettas and the settling of scores, with residents and tourists at risk of being ‘caught in the crossfire’.
Calleja believes the proximity of Gibraltar and Morocco with their efficient policing is the reason why so many international criminals decide to base themselves in one of the many urban developments along Estepona’s 23km coastline. However, he stated gang violence involving members of the general public is rarer in the region than in many other Spanish coastal destinations. Many criminals hiding in plain sight along the coastline are wanted by Interpol or by police in a number of European countries.
As local police continue to investigate the shootout and alleged kidnapping, news came in that a brutally murdered body had been found in Algeciras a few hours after the incident. Police said the victim had been stabbed several times, adding they are now attempting to confirm the body is that of the kidnapped man. Recently, Briton Craig Ian Porter, wanted for attempted murder as well as kidnapping, was arrested by local police after stealing a car in Estepona.
Commissioner Fernando Calleja made his comments in the morning of the day when hundreds of expats, citizens and tourists fled in panic after hearing shots and witnessing a kidnapping from a beachside restaurant at 10.45 that night. He reported that, due to the huge amount of money to be made, the popular destination is a hub for criminals who steal everything from suitcases to valuable watches, jewellery and cash from residents as well as tourists. Activities by international criminals, drug dealers and members of organised crime gangs are responsible for vendettas and the settling of scores, with residents and tourists at risk of being ‘caught in the crossfire’.
Calleja believes the proximity of Gibraltar and Morocco with their efficient policing is the reason why so many international criminals decide to base themselves in one of the many urban developments along Estepona’s 23km coastline. However, he stated gang violence involving members of the general public is rarer in the region than in many other Spanish coastal destinations. Many criminals hiding in plain sight along the coastline are wanted by Interpol or by police in a number of European countries.
As local police continue to investigate the shootout and alleged kidnapping, news came in that a brutally murdered body had been found in Algeciras a few hours after the incident. Police said the victim had been stabbed several times, adding they are now attempting to confirm the body is that of the kidnapped man. Recently, Briton Craig Ian Porter, wanted for attempted murder as well as kidnapping, was arrested by local police after stealing a car in Estepona.
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