Lorraine Williamson
A seemingly routine car crash in a Mijas neighbourhood has led to the dramatic arrest of a British man wanted for multiple murders in the UK. The man, who police say was living under the radar in the residential area of Riviera del Sol, had no ID—but was carrying two pistols, a silencer, ammunition, and a notebook filled with names and addresses.
Authorities now believe he is connected to one of London’s most dangerous organised crime groups.
A petrol station row, then a crash
The chain of events began just before midday on Thursday 31 July, when Local Police in Mijas were called to a petrol station following a report from two Dutch women. They told officers a man with a British accent had aggressively approached them, asking to buy cocaine.
Security footage backed up their account, but the man had already driven off in a Nissan Qashqai by the time police arrived.
Shortly afterwards, that same vehicle slammed into a wall on Calle Orfebres, a residential street lined with villas and holiday homes. Bleeding and disoriented, the driver tried to flee on foot when a patrol approached—but didn’t make it far. Police caught up with him within minutes.
Images: Policia Local de Mijas
Weapons, no papers—and a chilling notebook
Inside the car, officers found an alarming stash: two firearms—one fitted with a silencer—several magazines, ammunition, and a handwritten address book. The man carried no identification. However, biometric scans quickly confirmed what Guardia Civil investigators feared: the suspect was wanted in connection with multiple murders and had an active Spanish arrest warrant issued by a Fuengirola court.
Sources close to the case have revealed the suspect is believed to be part of a criminal network rooted in London, with ties across Europe. He was immediately taken into custody and has since been transferred to prison following a court order.
International criminal hiding in plain sight
The arrest has left Riviera del Sol residents stunned. Many are now grappling with the fact that a high-risk fugitive—armed and allegedly linked to multiple killings—had been living undetected among families and holidaymakers.
The quiet streets of this coastal enclave are popular with foreign nationals and retirees. But Thursday’s events have exposed how such communities can unwittingly provide cover for dangerous individuals evading justice abroad.
Local officials have confirmed that the investigation remains open as authorities work to unravel the full extent of the suspect’s international connections and criminal record.
Spain’s Costa del Sol under scrutiny as haven for fugitives
This latest case adds to growing concerns that parts of southern Spain have become safe harbours for international criminals. Easy access to rentals, a high foreign population, and historically light-touch residency checks have made areas like the Costa del Sol attractive to those trying to vanish off the radar.
Spanish law enforcement, often in collaboration with Europol and UK authorities, has increased efforts in recent years to crack down on fugitive networks hiding in plain sight.
For now, the people of Mijas Costa are left to reflect on just how close a brush with danger their community experienced—and how a moment of recklessness may have finally ended one man’s violent run.
Costa Blanca shooting
Source: Diario Sur