Lorraine Williamson
Spanish police have arrested an 18-year-old Swedish man in connection with the murder of internationally known plastic surgeon Alexander Aslani, who was shot dead at his Marbella clinic on Wednesday afternoon. The arrest comes just over 24 hours after the killing, which prompted a major police investigation.
Investigators are examining several possible motives, including whether the shooting was connected to a dispute involving a patient. Police sources have indicated that organised crime is not believed to be involved, although the motive has not been established.
Police arrest 18-year-old as murder investigation continues
The National Police arrested the 18-year-old suspect on Thursday 8 October, according to Spanish media reports citing police sources. He is being investigated as the alleged perpetrator of the shooting at Cirumed Clinic in Marbella’s Real Panorama area.
The case remains under judicial secrecy, and police have not released further details about the suspect or the circumstances of his arrest. Investigators are continuing their enquiries to establish the motive and determine whether anyone else was involved.
Aslani, 57, was shot several times in the head shortly before 6.00 pm on Wednesday. The attacker, described as wearing dark clothing with his face concealed, reportedly fled the clinic on a motorcycle. Emergency medical personnel attended the scene but were unable to save the surgeon.
Investigators examine possible dispute involving a patient
Earlier on Thursday, sources close to the investigation told Spanish news agency EFE that police did not believe the killing was connected to organised crime. Investigators were instead considering whether the attack might have followed a disagreement involving a cosmetic surgery patient.
One possibility being examined is that someone was dissatisfied with the outcome of a procedure. Other Spanish reporting has raised the possibility of a financial disagreement concerning an operation, although neither explanation has been established as the motive.
Police have not confirmed whether the arrested man acted alone or whether another person may have ordered or assisted in the attack. The investigation remains open, and the suspect has not been convicted of any offence.
According to El País, the gunman was hooded and fled the scene by motorbike after shooting Aslani several times in the head. Investigators are examining whether the attack may have been carried out on behalf of a dissatisfied client. However, police have not yet publicly confirmed a motive, and no arrests have been announced.
Man dies after shooting in Marbella
Police sources have confirmed that the 57-year-old victim suffered several gunshot wounds to the head. Emergency medical teams attended the scene and attempted to stabilise him, but he died from his injuries.
El País, citing police sources, reports that Policía Nacional has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Police operation under way
A significant police and emergency-services presence has been reported in the area following the shooting as investigators work to establish exactly what happened and identify those responsible.
A police helicopter has also been seen over Marbella this evening. However, there has been no official confirmation at this stage that its deployment is directly connected to the shooting.
The shooting took place inside Cirumed Clinic in the Real Panorama area of Marbella. Aslani was the clinic’s founder and a well-known plastic surgeon.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing. Earlier speculation that the shooting could be connected to organised crime has reportedly been discounted for now, while investigators are instead considering whether the attack could have been commissioned following a dispute with a client.
The investigation is continuing, and further information is expected to emerge throughout the evening.
This is a developing story. InSpain.news will update this article as further details are officially confirmed.