The Guardia Civil has arrested a 21-year-old man in Torrevieja on suspicion of robbery with violence and intimidation, extortion, and vehicle theft. The detainee was brought before a judge, who ordered his provisional imprisonment.
The operation forms part of the ongoing actions developed within the Safe Commerce Plan, which was activated following the suspected existence of threats, coercion, and financial demands directed mainly against merchants and citizens based in the town and nearby municipalities.
From the very outset of the investigation, officers observed a climate of fear among potential victims and witnesses. Many were reluctant to report the crimes due to fear of personal retaliation or damage to their businesses, which significantly hampered the progress of the investigation during its initial phases.
In response to this situation, officers increased their presence and held meetings and direct contact with local business owners. These actions fostered enough trust and support for several victims to begin cooperating with investigators, allowing progress to be made in clarifying the facts.
The investigation revealed that the suspect had approached managers of various establishments on several occasions, offering protection services in exchange for regular payments. According to the complaints gathered, these financial demands were accompanied by threatening messages and references to alleged links with Eastern European criminal organisations, all intended to increase pressure on the victims.
Among the incidents under investigation is a robbery with violence and intimidation that occurred on 4th April, when the detainee allegedly entered a commercial establishment and demanded various products without paying for them. During the incident, he allegedly intimidated an employee and stole the day’s takings before leaving the premises, making threats to prevent the police from being alerted.
Officers also investigated another incident that occurred on 19th April, when the now-detained man allegedly stole a vehicle by intimidating its owner. According to the investigation, he subsequently demanded money from the victim in exchange for the return of the vehicle.
Finally, after analysing a multitude of tests and evidence gathered, as well as taking into account numerous statements, the agents were able to fully identify and arrest the alleged perpetrator of the events.
The detainee, a 21-year-old man accused of robbery with violence and intimidation, extortion, and vehicle theft, was placed at the disposal of the Instruction Section of the Court of First Instance of Torrevieja on duty, which ordered his provisional imprisonment.
The investigation remains open, and further actions related to the events under investigation or the possible involvement of other people are not ruled out.
The Guardia Civil reminds everyone of the importance of reporting any incidents related to threats, coercion, or extortion and maintains the Safe Commerce Plan to strengthen protection and collaboration with the commercial sector.
