The Spanish Policía Nacional has successfully apprehended one of Europol’s Europe´s most wanted in a remote area of Girona.
The suspect, sought for crimes including aggravated homicide and road safety violations, had evaded capture for over 30 years. With outstanding European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) from Hungary and Romania, he now faces potential life imprisonment. Yet another of Europe´s most wanted has been arrested.
A violent crime in Hungary
The fugitive was implicated in a violent robbery in August 1991 in Paloznak, Hungary. Along with accomplices, he broke into a local parish intending to steal valuables. During the burglary, the group encountered an elderly priest, who was tied to a chair and brutally assaulted, leading to his death. A nun present at the scene was also restrained and severely beaten until she revealed the location of money and valuable items. Though she survived, she suffered life-altering injuries.
Europe’s most wanted list
Hungarian authorities initiated an extensive investigation, identifying the suspect through a fingerprint recovered at the scene. The severity of the crime and the fugitive’s potential danger led to his inclusion on Europol’s “Europe’s Most Wanted” list.
Years of evasion and sophisticated precautions
After committing the crimes, the fugitive employed sophisticated methods to remain undetected. Initially, he was traced to Huelva, Spain, but his use of multiple fake identities, frequent relocations, and secure communication apps thwarted efforts to capture him.
The breakthrough came in mid-November when the Policía Nacional pinpointed his location in a rural area of Girona. Surveillance was challenging due to the isolated nature of the residence and the fugitive’s habitual security measures. He would cautiously scan his surroundings before leaving his home or using his vehicle.
Operation disguised as maintenance workers
To avoid detection, officers disguised themselves as park and garden maintenance workers. This allowed them to observe the fugitive unnoticed. When he finally ventured out to access his car, the team swiftly identified and arrested him.
International collaboration and legal proceedings
The arrest was the culmination of a collaboration between Spanish authorities and FAST Hungary, a specialised task force focused on apprehending dangerous fugitives. The suspect is now in custody, awaiting extradition proceedings related to the crimes committed in Hungary and Romania.
Commitment to justice
This arrest demonstrates the Policía Nacional’s commitment to tracking and capturing fugitives, no matter how much time has passed or how elusive they may be. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing cross-border crime.
Also read: Policia Nacional arrest one of Spain´s “10 most wanted” fugitives in Murcia