Seven Members of Violent Swedish Gangs Arrested in Spain
In a significant crackdown, the National Police in Spain have apprehended seven individuals linked to two notoriously violent Swedish criminal gangs. The arrests took place in the towns of Malaga, Marbella, Fuengirola, and Alicante. These gangs, operating from the Costa del Sol, have been engaged in a deadly feud since 2013.
Feud Traced Back to 2013 Assassination
The animosity between the two criminal factions can be traced back to the murder of one of the group’s leaders in 2013. This event sparked a series of violent incidents, primarily in Sweden, with explosives even being used in some attacks. These actions not only targeted rival gang members but also posed a significant threat to public safety. The vendetta has since continued in the province of Malaga.
Firearm Incident Leads to Discovery of Gang Presence
The Spanish organised crime squad became aware of the presence of these Swedish gang members following a firearm incident in September. This event led to the arrest of several gang members after an incident in a Marbella establishment. On October 30, another violent altercation took place in Marbella, where five armed individuals attempted to kidnap a customer.
Failed Kidnapping Attempt and Subsequent Shooting
The assailants threatened, assaulted, and attempted to force the man into a waiting van. However, their kidnapping attempt was unsuccessful, and the man managed to escape. The following day, at 3 am, another violent incident occurred in Fuengirola. Two masked men shot three occupants of a van before fleeing the scene. One of the victims was seriously injured and had to be rushed to the hospital.
Link Between Shooting and Kidnapping Attempt
The organised crime unit was able to connect the shooting victims with the attempted kidnapping from the previous day. The alleged attackers in the Fuengirola van incident were believed to be settling scores related to the failed kidnapping. The investigation then shifted to identifying and locating both parties as quickly as possible, as the police anticipated further violent incidents due to the ongoing gang rivalry.
Successful Police Investigation Leads to Arrests
The police investigation resulted in the identification and arrest of seven individuals. Just three days after the shooting, two of the suspects were apprehended in the province of Alicante. Additionally, several searches were conducted, leading to the seizure of vehicles, mobile devices, and 12,000 euros in cash.
Charges and Court Proceedings
The judge overseeing the case ordered all the suspects to be remanded in custody. They face charges of attempted murder, attempted kidnapping, membership in a criminal organisation, illegal possession of weapons, and robbery with violence.
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