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Date Published: 17/04/2024

Tourist kidnapped from Malaga Airport and held for ransom

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The Swedish holidaymaker was held captive for 23 days in various Costa del Sol hideouts

Tourist kidnapped from Malaga Airport and held for ransom

A Swedish tourist endured an unimaginable ordeal when he was kidnapped minutes after touching down in Málaga Airport and held captive for 23 days. The kidnappers, who demanded 500,000 euros in cryptocurrencies for his safe release, kept their victim shackled and placed a tracking device in his shoe.

They apparently moved their quarry to different locations in the Costa del Sol every few days to avoid detection.

The investigation began when a relative of the man contacted the authorities, claiming he hadn’t heard from the victim for several days after he and a friend landed in Spain from Turkey on a sightseeing holiday.

Allegedly, a third party sent by the friend collected them at Málaga Airport, then disappeared with the victim.

Soon afterwards, the kidnappers made contact with a family member living in Istanbul and demanded the ransom.

Police in the Costa del Sol worked closely with the terrified relative as he negotiated with the criminals and, following five tense days of talks, the captors arranged a rendezvous at a Málaga restaurant.

Officers watched the scene closely and spotted a suspect scouting for law enforcement presence. Once they thought the coast was clear, another culprit entered the premises with the victim and the family member. Authorities promptly arrested the pair, Syrian and Lebanese nationals, releasing the victim after 23 days of confinement.

The victim was then able to lead investigators to the last address where he had been held – a house in Fuengirola. Here, officers discovered several mobile phones used to contact the man’s family, restraints and geolocation devices.

Both detainees, who face charges of kidnapping, injury, organised crime and violating personal rights, have been remanded into custody awaiting trial as the investigation continues to locate more members of this sophisticated criminal gang.

In other news: Four Irish tourists arrested for attacking Spanish taxi driver

Image: Policía Nacional

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