British Tourists Detained in Benidorm Over Elaborate Fake Kidnapping Scheme
Two British tourists have been apprehended in the Costa Blanca resort of Benidorm for allegedly staging a kidnapping plot to extort a ransom of £725. The pair, aged 37 and 51, sent a relative a fabricated video showing one suspect threatening his 'blood-covered' friend with a knife, according to Spanish authorities.
Major Police Mobilisation Triggered by Interpol Alert
Police in the Costa Blanca region suspended all ongoing investigations and summoned backup from a specialist anti-hostage unit based in Madrid following a tip-off from Interpol via UK police. The alert originated from a relative in the UK who received the disturbing videos and contacted British authorities, sparking an international response.
A spokesman for Spain's National Police in Alicante confirmed: 'Officers in Benidorm have arrested two British men aged 37 and 51 for simulating a kidnap with the aim of making some quick cash. Our investigation began after a tip-off from Interpol about the possible abduction of a British national in the resort.'
Elaborate Ransom Demands and Police Response
The investigation revealed that the alleged kidnapper made explicit ransom demands in recorded conversations, threatening to kill the hostage if £725 wasn't paid into a specified bank account. British consular officials provided the images and recordings received from the tipster to Spanish authorities.
All available police resources in Benidorm were mobilised, with the specialist Madrid-based kidnapping unit deployed to handle what appeared to be a severe hostage situation. Police managed to establish direct phone contact with the relative, who supplied a photo of the alleged kidnapper and confirmed the ransom ultimatum.
Operation Called Off After Suspicious Sighting
As numerous officers from Benidorm Police Station worked to locate the supposed kidnap location, police identified a hotel where the alleged abductor had checked in days earlier with another British man. Officers placed the establishment under discreet surveillance and prepared for a potential rescue operation.
The operation was abruptly cancelled when officers observed two men exiting the hotel 'in a relaxed and amicable way', their descriptions matching those of the alleged kidnapper and victim. Both individuals were intercepted and identified, revealing the kidnapping had been staged to obtain quick cash.
Multiple Charges and Previous Similar Incident
The two Britons were arrested on suspicion of simulating a crime and fraud. During fingerprinting at a nearby police station, officers discovered the supposed kidnapper had given false names both during hotel check-in and when identifying himself to arresting officers, leading to additional identity fraud charges.
If found guilty, the pair could face prison time, substantial fines, and may be required to cover the costs of the extensive police operation. The case follows a similar incident last April when police arrested a British woman accused of masterminding a bungled robbery and kidnapping near Benidorm involving her wealthy former partner.
Police sources indicated at that time they had evidence suggesting the woman instigated the crime due to mounting debts, viewing her ex-lover as a solution to financial problems. The latest arrests highlight ongoing concerns about criminal activities involving British nationals in Spanish holiday resorts.
