Saudi Royal Family’s Bodyguard Suspended from Guardia Civil
A Guardia Civil officer, who served as an armed bodyguard for the Saudi royal family, has been suspended from duty. The Supreme Court upheld a ruling earlier this month, stating that the officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, was not authorized to provide personal security to the Bin Turki family. The family’s wealth was previously estimated to be over $1 billion.
Unauthorized Security Duties in Marbella and Puerto Banus
Court documents, as revealed by El Periodico, indicate that the officer was responsible for the security of the family members during their shopping trips to exclusive stores in Puerto Banus and Marbella in the summer of 2021. Although he was permitted to serve as a chauffeur, the court found that he had overstepped his boundaries by acting as their private security and carrying a firearm.
Officer’s Role Exposed by Policia Nacional
The officer’s unauthorized role came to light when he was spotted by Policia Nacional agents escorting the Saudi family inside a shopping center. He confessed to carrying a private firearm when confronted. Witnesses informed investigators that they never saw the officer driving the luxury cars owned by the Saudis. Instead, he was always seen in the passenger seat, despite his contract with the family being strictly for chauffeur services.
Witness Accounts of Officer’s Behavior
Witnesses also reported that the officer acted more like a bodyguard than a chauffeur. He was always by the family’s side, never interacting with them, and constantly on alert. His behavior raised suspicions, leading to the case reaching the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Rejects Officer’s Appeal
The officer appealed the ruling, but his arguments were dismissed by the judges on February 7. The details of his remuneration for his services to the Saudi family have not been disclosed. However, it is known that he had been working as a part-time chauffeur since joining the force in March 2017.
