Belgian arrested in Benidorm after years of search

The Spanish National Police have arrested a 56-year-old Belgian man on the run in Benidorm. The man was previously sentenced to nine years in prison in Belgium for sexual offences, including the rape of his adopted daughter. He had been on the run for years, but was tracked down thanks to a European Arrest Warrant and international cooperation.

Arrest in hotel in Benidorm

The fugitive Belgian man was arrested by Judicial Police officers at a hotel in Benidorm, a popular tourist destination on the Costa Blanca. After intensive investigation, authorities were able to trace his whereabouts.

Crimes abroad

The man was convicted of the sexual offences between 1999 and 2001 when he was living in the UK with his family. While on leave from prison, the man managed to escape and has remained on the run ever since. He has not yet served his sentence; he must spend more than 2,000 days behind bars.

Extradition initiated

After his arrest, the suspect was transferred to the National Court in Spain. Here, the legal procedure for his extradition to Belgium will be completed. This will allow the Belgian authorities to execute the remainder of his sentence.

Effective international cooperation

The arrest is a success for European law enforcement cooperation. The European Arrest Warrant played a crucial role in tracking down the fugitive. This underlines the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling serious crimes and ensuring justice.

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