Two French nationals have been arrested and charged with kidnapping, torture, and illegal possession of firearms in southern Spain, the Spanish police said on Thursday.
The shocking case involved the brutal eleven-day ordeal of a Moroccan man held captive on a farm in Torrox, Malaga, in April 2023.
According to Spanish police, the suspects, aged 39 and 43, allegedly held the victim hostage in a desperate attempt to extort a ransom of 1.4 million euros from his family.
The victim suffered horrific abuse during his captivity. The police report details how the men inflicted numerous blows and deprived him of food, giving him water on rare occasions.
In a particularly disturbing act, the Frenchmen even “cut off part of his ear” to pressure his family into paying.
The victim’s family, upon receiving a video of him bound and severely injured, alerted the authorities.
This crucial evidence led them to the first suspect, who was apprehended at a seaside resort on the Costa del Sol. A search of his residence revealed a dangerous arsenal: an AK-47 assault rifle, three pistols, and a significant quantity of ammunition.
The investigation then turned its focus to the second suspect, believed to be the mastermind behind the kidnapping. He was arrested in Paris on April 30th, following an extradition request from Spanish authorities.
The idyllic setting of the Costa del Sol, known for its beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts, unfortunately presents a dark underbelly. Authorities have expressed concern about the region’s growing appeal to international drug traffickers and the recent rise in violent drug-related incidents.
Both French nationals are currently in pre-trial detention and face serious charges, including kidnapping, torture, and possession of illegal weapons. The investigation into this horrific crime is ongoing.
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