National Police officers in the Costa del Sol region are probing the death of a 39-year-old man in Fuengirola. Initial investigations indicate he sustained multiple blows from a golf club
The body was discovered by the deceased’s flatmate at 7:25 pm on Saturday, April 13th, in a Fuengirola apartment situated merely 100 metres from the town’s courthouse. The individual immediately notified the police.
Upon arrival, medical responders and National Police confirmed the man, a Spanish national, had died due to blows to head, with a golf club ‘most likely’ to be the weapon. The officers promptly launched an investigation
Amounts of alcohol and drugs were found within the premises. According to police sources no arrests have been made in connection with the case so far.
‘Costa del Crime’ lives up to its reputation
In recent years, the Costa del Sol in Spain has witnessed an increase in violent incidents related to organized crime. Here are some key points:
- Marbella Magnet for Gangsters:
- Marbella, a city on the Costa del Sol, has become a hub for international crime organizations. These groups have made it their center of operations.
- Violence is on the rise, and law enforcement agencies struggle to keep up1.
- Criminal gangs engage in activities like kidnapping (referred to as “amarre”) to settle scores1.
- The wealthy area of Puerto Banús has also seen confrontations between individuals with ties to organized crime1.
- Historical Context:
- During Spain’s economic boom in the 1960s, the Costa del Sol transformed into a popular tourist destination.
- Initially, working-class holidaymakers flocked to its public beaches, followed by jet-setters who found their paradise in Marbella.
- However, this success came with a price: an unspoken agreement that criminals could relax there, as long as they refrained from committing crimes and brought their money1.
- Recent Incidents:
- Since 2018, authorities have recorded around 20 deaths resulting from score-settling in this corner of Málaga, which includes the Costa del Sol2.
- Shootings and conflicts involving firearms have become more frequent2.
- The region has attracted criminal elites from around the world, making it a hotspot for organized crime1.
In summary, while the Costa del Sol remains a popular tourist destination, it also grapples with criminal activity, especially in Marbella and its surroundings12.
