Estepona, Spain – A significant breakthrough occurred as National Police captured 11 individuals affiliated with a gang allegedly involved in a robbery targeting a rival group in Estepona. The arrests took place across multiple regions, including Malaga, Madrid, and Barcelona. Subsequently, nine suspects were remanded to custody on charges ranging from illegal detention and violent robbery to weapon possession, forgery, drug trafficking, and participation in a criminal syndicate.
Among the apprehended suspects is an individual believed to be the mastermind of the gang, who is the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by Serbia. With a history of fleeing from Serbian authorities in 2021, this individual was deemed a “high-value target” and one of the most wanted persons in the country.
The investigation by law enforcement on the Costa del Sol commenced in January following the hospitalization of five Serbian nationals in Malaga due to severe injuries sustained during a home invasion. The victims were reportedly subjected to a violent attack by armed assailants who restrained and assaulted them. Despite the victims’ reluctance to cooperate with Spanish authorities, collaboration between Spanish and Serbian investigators revealed the potential involvement of these individuals in criminal activities.
Initial suspicions pointed towards a possible feud between Serbian factions as the motive behind the assault. Examination of the crime scene unveiled traces of blood and an unmarked firearm left behind by the perpetrators during their escape, indicative of a meticulously planned operation resembling military tactics. Investigators noted the use of a drone in the prelude to the assault, underscoring the calculated nature of the attack.
Eight individuals partook in the raid, with five directly storming the residence and three overseeing the surrounding area. Following the identification of all suspects and close coordination with Serbian law enforcement, authorities confirmed the orchestrator of the attack to be the leader of a dangerous criminal organization associated with drug trafficking, evading capture since 2021. This individual’s status as a fugitive on Serbia’s most-wanted list further underscored the severity of the situation.
As the investigation progressed and intelligence indicated the relocation of the criminal group to Malaga province, a targeted police operation was initiated resulting in the apprehension of the suspects. The operation yielded significant evidence, including firearms, ammunition, false identity documents, tools indicative of future attacks, a drone, and a substantial amount of cash, underscoring the sophisticated nature of the criminal network.
Throughout the operation, authorities remained vigilant in dismantling the criminal organization and ensuring the safety of the community through thorough investigations and strategic interventions. The collaborative efforts between Spanish and Serbian authorities played a pivotal role in disrupting the activities of this dangerous syndicate and bringing those responsible to justice.