The National Police have arrested five people in connection with the kidnapping of a woman and her young son in Gran Canaria, following a major operation across the Canary Islands and mainland Spain.
The incident took place on 12th March in a villa in El Salobre, a resort area in the south of the island. The victims were rescued two days later, and investigators have since been working under a court-ordered secrecy ruling due to the sensitive nature of the case.
Two of the suspects were detained in mainland Spain on 28th April (Monday), while the remaining three were arrested in Gran Canaria. Police say the two men taken into custody outside the islands are believed to have been directly responsible for carrying out the abduction. The other three – including a woman – are suspected of assisting in the crime locally.
The five suspects were brought before a judge on Wednesday (30th April). At least two have been remanded in custody while the investigation continues.
According to police sources cited by local media, the case may be linked to an ongoing feud between criminal drug trafficking groups. Officers believe the kidnapping may have been part of a "vuelco" – a violent attempt by one gang to steal drugs from another.
Searches of several properties led to the discovery of key evidence, including items allegedly connected to the kidnapping. The National Police are continuing their inquiries, with more arrests not ruled out.
