One of Europe’s most-wanted fugitives arrested in the Canary Islands
The National Police have arrested one of Europe’s most-wanted fugitives in Gran Canaria. The suspect, identified only by the initials T.H., a 53-year-old Norwegian national, was detained in Mogán on the basis of an active European Arrest Warrant issued in 2021 after being sentenced in Norway to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking.
According to the most recent court ruling against him, T.H. took part in a major maritime drug-smuggling operation in which authorities seized large quantities of cocaine, MDMA, and hashish.
His arrest forms part of the “Fugitivos 2025 OEDE” operation, carried out by Group 1 of UDYCO Las Palmas, in coordination with the National Police Fugitive Unit and Norwegian police (“Politi”), as detailed in a press release from the National Police.
A Five-Week International Investigation
Spanish authorities first received a request for assistance from Norway on 1st October 2025, highlighting the fugitive’s high level of danger and his importance within organised crime networks.
A joint investigation followed, involving extensive database checks, discreet surveillance, intelligence gathering from open sources, and on-the-ground operations. Officers soon discovered that the fugitive had established himself in the south of Gran Canaria, blending in easily among the large population of Nordic holidaymakers.
He moved frequently using false identification documents, avoided leaving a trace in official records, and relied on a network of associates who provided funds in cash or through cross-border transfers, making it difficult to track his financial movements.
Arrest in Mogán
Despite his efforts to remain hidden, T.H. was finally located on 12th November in a rented property in Mogán. Given his known danger level and criminal background, officers carried out the arrest with heightened security measures.
The following day (13th November), he was brought before Spain’s National Court (Audiencia Nacional), where the Central Investigative Court No. 2 will oversee his extradition to Norway under international judicial cooperation procedures.
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