Arrest in Spain Over Gangland Shooting
A couple with connections to Edinburgh have been arrested in relation to a gangland shooting that took place in Spain.
The man and woman are accused of shooting the victim four times in the back at his doorstep in the San Javier district of Santiago de la Ribera in November 2024.
The victim was transported to hospital where he underwent months of intensive care and sustained life-changing injuries.
Investigation and Police Findings
The Civil Guard, one of Spain's two national police forces, suspect the couple are linked to a criminal gang involved in violent acts related to organised crime and drug trafficking.
Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect fled the scene on foot after the shooting before entering a nearby vehicle.
Approximately one hour later, a car believed to be the getaway vehicle was found burned on a road between San Javier and Los Narejos.
The Civil Guard confirmed that the stolen car, which bore false license plates, matched the description provided by witnesses.
Detectives conducted a further search the following day of a high-end British vehicle with false plates in the Mazarrón region.
A weapon equipped with a silencer, later identified as the firearm used in the attempted murder, was discovered inside, along with ammunition, a balaclava, and gloves.
Two individuals were identified through DNA samples taken from the seized clothing, according to the Civil Guard.
Investigators also recovered spent cartridges from the scene of the attack.
Operation Esbroya 24 and Arrests
The investigation, named Operation Esbroya 24, involved collaboration between Spanish authorities and UK law enforcement over a period exceeding one year.
In April, the male suspect was apprehended as he was about to board a flight to Edinburgh at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández International Airport.
Two weeks later, in May, the female suspect was arrested at Alicante airport upon entering Spain.
The couple are accused of travelling to Murcia in southeast Spain with the intention of locating and killing the man at his residence.
Authorities have stated that investigations into the shooting remain ongoing.
