The arrest occurred after the requesting country informed the National Police of the suspicion that the fugitive might be in the city of Alicante. From that moment, officers began investigations to ascertain his whereabouts.
Finally, the man was located by a Citizen Security patrol conducting preventive checks in an area near a drug dealing point. After stopping him and verifying his identity, officers confirmed an active international warrant, leading to his arrest.
The offenses for which he was sought date back to August 2025 in the Algerian city of Mostaganem. According to Algerian authorities, the detainee was allegedly involved in a criminal network specializing in the smuggling of various goods and valuables.
The organization allegedly imported Chinese-origin vehicles through the port of Mostaganem at reduced prices to later sell them at a higher value, thereby obtaining illicit profits. According to the investigation, the funds obtained were allegedly distributed among customs officials and other individuals involved in the ring, who supposedly facilitated the illegal operations and concealed the imported merchandise in garages set up for this purpose.
Algerian authorities also attribute activities related to illegal oil exports to the organization. For these offenses, the wanted individual faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The National Police highlighted that the arrest was possible thanks to information exchange and coordination between police authorities from different countries. Following his arrest, the detainee was placed at the disposal of the Central Investigating Court of the Audiencia Nacional, the body responsible for processing the extradition procedure.
