Lorraine Williamson
The Policia Nacional in Spain has detained two high-profile fugitives in separate operations—one a highly dangerous individual wanted by French authorities, and the other a member of the Dominican Don’t Play gang.
These arrests highlight Spain’s commitment to international cooperation on law enforcement and its strategy to curb organised crime domestically.
High-risk French fugitive apprehended in Alicante
The first operation targeted a fugitive from France, identified as one of the country’s most dangerous criminals. The individual was detained in Benissa, Alicante, under a European Arrest Warrant issued by France. This warrant was in connection with a violent jewellery store heist in Marseille that involved hostage-taking, illegal detention, and theft.
Spanish authorities began investigating the suspect’s location after France’s SIRENE office alerted them to his possible presence in Spain. Within 24 hours, Spanish officers had located and arrested him in Benissa. This individual, possessing both military training and extensive criminal background, faces serious charges. During the Marseille heist, he and his accomplices allegedly bound, blindfolded, and threatened the jewellery store owner. They further intimidated him by suggesting they had terrorist affiliations, leading the victim to comply with their demands. The group successfully stole 28 luxury watches, valued at nearly €500,000. For these actions, the detained individual now faces a possible 30-year prison sentence in France.
Dominican Don’t Play member arrested in Almería
In a separate investigation, authorities captured another dangerous fugitive, a known member of the Dominican Don’t Play (DDP) gang, in Almería. This gang member was wanted by the Provincial Court of Madrid on charges related to a violent attack on members of a rival gang, the Trinitarios, in 2018. The attack, which took place in Madrid, involved machetes and resulted in severe injuries to two individuals.
Police tracking the gang member’s movements found that he frequently changed locations to evade arrest. During stays in Madrid, he reportedly relied on support from family members and hid in illegal residences in Yuncos, Toledo. Following further investigative work, authorities finally located him in Almería, where he was arrested outside his residence.
Spain’s commitment to tackling organised crime
The successful capture of these two individuals demonstrates Spain’s proactive stance on fighting organised crime and highlights the effective collaboration between European law enforcement agencies.
Also read: Violent street fight between Los Trinitarios and Dominicans Don´t Play (DDP) in Madrid