National Police officers have arrested a 46-year-old man in Alicante who was the subject of an International Warrant for Arrest and Extradition issued by Algerian authorities for money laundering offences.
The requesting country issued the international warrant, which was passed on to the National Police following suspicions that the fugitive could be located in Alicante, according to a statement from the police headquarters.
As a result, an investigation was launched to find his whereabouts. He was eventually located by a citizen security patrol conducting preventative policing in an area close to a known drug-dealing spot. After stopping him and verifying his identity, officers confirmed the active international arrest warrant and proceeded with his arrest.
The events leading to his arrest occurred in August 2025 in the Algerian city of Mostaganem. The wanted individual was allegedly part of a criminal network specialising in the smuggling of various goods and valuables. The organisation reportedly imported Chinese vehicles through the port of Mostaganem at low prices, later selling them at a higher value to generate illegal profits.
Furthermore, the funds obtained were allegedly distributed among customs officials and other individuals involved in the plot, who facilitated the illegal operations and hid the imported merchandise in garages converted for that specific purpose. The network was also reportedly involved in the illegal export of oil.
The individual faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for these actions. The arrest was made possible due to the exchange of information and effective coordination between international police authorities and the National Police.
The detained man has been placed at the disposal of the Central Investigating Court of the Audiencia Nacional, the judicial body responsible for managing the procedures for his subsequent extradition.
