Seven men are wanted by police after viciously assaulting a businessman in the Puerto Rico shopping centre, in the south of Gran Canaria, leaving him unconscious before fleeing with €730 in cash and a watch.
The victim, identified as Rachid G., a long-time café owner in the centre, suffered severe injuries, including cuts, bruises, and a fractured jaw.
According to investigators, the attack occurred in the early hours of Christmas morning when the perpetrators targeted Rachid after seeing him withdraw cash to pay for drinks at a nightclub within the shopping centre.
The men followed him discreetly, waiting for an opportune moment to strike when he was alone. Surveillance footage captured the brutal assault, which took place on Avenida Tomás Roca Bosch just outside the complex.
A Coordinated Attack
Rachid had closed his café around 3:00am and joined friends for drinks in a nightclub located within the commercial centre. As he later approached the bar to settle the bill, one of the attackers observed him placing the remaining cash back into his pocket.
The businessman recounted that he left the nightclub shortly after, heading up the stairs to get a taxi. "I noticed someone behind me talking on the phone, but I didn’t think much of it," he said. Moments later, two cars screeched to a halt nearby, and four men jumped out, rushing towards him. They were soon joined by the man who had been trailing him and two other accomplices.
The attackers encircled Rachid, shoving him to the ground and beating him until he lost consciousness. Even as he lay defenceless, they continued the assault until they retrieved the envelope containing the day's takings and an €800 watch.
The attack only stopped when a Local Police officer on a motorbike happened upon the scene, prompting the assailants to flee towards the shopping centre, abandoning their vehicles in their haste. Investigators are using the number plates of the abandoned cars to identify the suspects.
Victim Hospitalised
An ambulance transported Rachid to San Roque Meloneras Hospital, where he was treated for multiple injuries. He received seven stitches for a deep cut and medical attention for significant bruising on his head, face, and jaw.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Rachid expressed his disbelief. "This wasn’t just a robbery. If it were, they would have taken the money and left. But they kept hitting me, even after I was unconscious," he said. Despite the trauma, he remains resolute, having operated his business in the Puerto Rico shopping centre for 15 years.
Call for Increased Security
The incident has sparked outrage among local business owners, who are now demanding heightened police presence and improved security measures. Many believe that the gang responsible is part of an organised group known for targeting holidaymakers in the area. The alleged attackers are reportedly men of Maghreb origin, aged between 27 and 37, with prior criminal records for pickpocketing and related offences.
The Guardia Civil of Puerto Rico has launched a full investigation into the assault, prioritising the identification and apprehension of the suspects. As the case unfolds, concerns about safety in the shopping centre persist, with both business owners and tourists left shaken by the brazen violence.
