Fugitive wanted for human trafficking found hiding in south Tenerife
National Police officers have arrested an international fugitive in the south of Tenerife. He was wanted by Belgian authorities for alleged involvement in human trafficking and belonging to a criminal organisation. These are crimes that could carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
The urgent request for his location and arrest was received on 13th October 2025, leading to immediate action by the Spanish authorities. Investigators soon identified several possible addresses linked to the suspect in the coastal area of Los Abrigos, within the municipality of Granadilla de Abona, where a foreign-registered vehicle connected to him was also spotted.
During the operation, officers confirmed the man’s identity and moved in to arrest him safely, without any trouble. He was then taken to police headquarters for questioning and processing before being handed over to the court.
Tenerife has become a popular hiding place for fugitives on the run from justice elsewhere in Europe. In 2024, police in Adeje detained a British man wanted in the UK for large-scale drug trafficking after he was spotted living under a false identity in a holiday apartment.
Earlier the same year, a German national accused of financial crimes was caught in Los Cristianos following a joint operation between Spanish and Europol investigators.
Authorities say Tenerife’s popularity as both a tourist destination and a place to settle long-term can make it easier for wanted people to blend in.
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