In a significant development within the ongoing 'Operación Mártir,' the Guardia Civil has apprehended a third officer from the Buenavista del Norte Local Police in Tenerife. The officer is suspected of unlawfully retaining money from traffic fines issued to foreign tourists.
This latest arrest follows the detention of two other officers in September, who were placed in provisional custody on charges of misappropriation of public funds. The newly arrested officer was found to be serving in a different municipal office at the time of his detention, according to sources from the Guardia Civil.
The investigation revealed a pattern of corruption involving the collection and retention of fines meant for public coffers. The third officer is alleged to have been actively involved in this scheme, which targeted foreign tourists, exploiting their unfamiliarity with local regulations.
During the initial phase of 'Operación Mártir' last September, the Guardia Civil conducted several raids, seizing extensive documentation that proved that the illicit activities had been ongoing for several years. Among the confiscated items were tens of thousands of euros, hundreds of unprocessed complaint forms filed against foreign citizens, and other materials related to the crimes under investigation.
The arrests have sent shockwaves through the local community and have raised concerns among tourists visiting Tenerife. Authorities have assured the public that they are taking decisive measures to restore trust in local law enforcement and ensure that such misconduct is promptly addressed.
