Germany's most-wanted drug boss arrested in Málaga
An alleged drug boss who was on the run for five years was arrested on 24 August in Málaga by Spanish police and the BKA.
Arrest in Málaga: wanted drug dealer caught after five years
An alleged drug boss sought by German authorities with a European arrest warrant was arrested on 24 August in Málaga. This is reported by BILD, citing Spanish police, who carried out the operation jointly with the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
According to investigators, the suspect had taken extreme precautions to remain undetected: he changed his phone number every two weeks, adopted a new identity every three months and, according to Spanish authorities, even underwent a cybersecurity training course in Turkey. As an accomplished martial artist—particularly in boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA)—he was also considered physically dangerous.
The crucial lead came from the brother of the wanted man. Officers observed him over several days until they finally spotted the fugitive in the passenger seat of his brother's car. When both men left the vehicle, several officers moved in simultaneously.
"The wanted man did not resist. He had no time to react. He was completely surprised," a police spokesperson told BILD. The brother was not taken into custody as there was no arrest warrant against him.
The arrested man is accused of heading a criminal organisation that smuggled large quantities of drugs into Germany. The gang reportedly operated a warehouse in Spain from which narcotics were transported in lorries via France to Germany. The formal charges are drug trafficking and membership in a criminal organisation.
Authorities first received indications that the man was in Spain in 2025. Since then, an intensive search has been underway. Following his arrest, the suspect was remanded in custody.
The identity of the arrested man is not yet publicly known. Neither Spanish National Police nor the BKA has released his name.
Source: BILD