Else Beekman
Spain is proving to be an increasingly difficult place for international fugitives to hide. In the first weeks of 2025 alone, the Spanish National Police has successfully arrested 55 fugitives wanted in various countries. Furthermore, they have a track record of 460 arrests in the previous year. The figure of 2025 includes the recent high-profile arrests of two dangerous criminals in Alicante.
During a press conference last Friday, Antonio Martínez Duarte, head of Spain’s Organised Crime Unit (Udyco), announced the capture of Rodolfo ‘El Ruso’ Lohrmann and Mark Cameron Roscaleer. These two individuals were the last remaining fugitives from a group of five who had escaped from a high-security prison in Portugal in September 2024. Their arrests reinforce Spain’s stance against criminal activity within its borders.
The Vale de Judeus prison escape in Portugal on September 7, 2024, was a sophisticated operation involving external assistance. The fugitives used a ladder to scale the prison walls before fleeing. Portuguese authorities quickly issued European arrest warrants and sought Spain’s collaboration in tracking down the escapees.
The arrest of ‘El Ruso’ and Mark Cameron Roscaleer
Lohrmann, a 61-year-old Argentine national, has a criminal history spanning over 50 countries. Before his escape, he was serving a 17-year sentence in Portugal for various offenses and was awaiting extradition to Argentina. Meanwhile, Roscaleer, a 36-year-old British citizen, has a record of violent crimes, including torture and robbery in the Algarve in 2018. His escape was not his first, as he had previously attempted to flee from another Portuguese prison, underscoring his dangerous nature.
The duo was apprehended at a gas station in Alicante, thanks to coordinated efforts between multiple police units in Spain and Portugal. Authorities found them in possession of false Slovenian documents, counterfeit license plates, a large sum of cash, and two firearms, indicating they were likely involved in further criminal activities while on the run.
Spain’s expertise in fugitive tracking
Spain’s efficiency in tracking down fugitives is no coincidence. According to Francisco Pardo Piqueras, the Director General of the Spanish National Police, the country’s dedicated Fugitive Location Unit has been instrumental in securing these arrests. “In 2024 alone, our forces detained 460 criminals wanted by international authorities,” Pardo Piqueras revealed, highlighting the exceptional work of Spanish law enforcement in cross-border crime suppression.
The power of international cooperation
The recent arrests also emphasise the importance of international police cooperation. Both Pardo Piqueras and Martínez Duarte stressed that the success of these operations would not be possible without collaboration between security agencies across different nations. “There are no borders in crime, and there should be none in law enforcement either,” Pardo Piqueras said. “The key to maintaining public safety is for police forces worldwide to act as one against organised crime.”
A clear example of this cooperation was the tracking of another fugitive from the same Portuguese prison escape. Thanks to intelligence-sharing between Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, authorities were able to locate and detain Fábio Loureiro in Tangier. His arrest, just 24 hours after Portuguese police requested assistance, demonstrates the effectiveness of transnational collaboration.
Spain as a refuge for international fugitives
Spain has long been a hub for international fugitives seeking refuge, but recent years have seen a determined crackdown. The country’s police force is leveraging cutting-edge investigative techniques, global partnerships, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Herewith, they ensure that Spain is no longer a safe haven for criminals.
The arrests of Lohrmann and Roscaleer were the culmination of weeks of intensive investigations. On January 28, 2025, Spanish police began receiving intelligence suggesting that the fugitives were moving between Alicante and Málaga. They were likely engaged in extortion and other illicit activities tied to organised crime. A few days later, a victim came forward, reporting death threats from the two men. This helped investigators pinpoint their whereabouts.
A coordinated effort involving the Fugitive Location Unit, GRECO Levante, and Provincial Judicial Brigades of Murcia and Alicante led the authorities to track down the suspects. Once their vehicle was identified, authorities swiftly moved in for the arrest. The successful capture of all five escapees from Vale de Judeus prison solidifies Spain’s position as a leader in international law enforcement cooperation.
Why do fugitives like to hide in Spain?
Despite these successes, Spain remains an attractive destination for fugitives due to several factors. The country’s large expatriate communities, particularly along the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, provide an ideal environment for criminals to blend in. Spain’s proximity to other European nations, combined with its extensive transport networks, makes movement easier for those attempting to evade authorities. Additionally, while Spain has significantly improved its extradition laws, historical challenges in this area once made the country a safer haven for criminals. However, Spanish law enforcement continues to strengthen its efforts, often relying on public cooperation and international partnerships to ensure that fugitives have no place to hide.
Also read: One of Europe’s most wanted fugitives arrested in Girona