Four Arrested for the Fatal Kidnapping of a Man in Catalonia

Four men, aged between 26 and 51, have been arrested for the kidnapping and death of a man that occurred in the summer of 2024. A fifth suspect is already serving a sentence in prison for other crimes.

The investigation into the kidnapping and violent death of a man in Catalonia has entered a new phase following the arrest of four individuals. The Mossos d'Esquadra and the National Police have also charged a fifth suspect, who is already in prison.

The arrests took place on September 22 during a series of searches in Barcelona, Sant Vicenç de Montalt, and Sant Boi de Llobregat. The detainees are aged between 26 and 51 and are allegedly linked to the crime.

The victim's body was found on August 5, 2024, in a wooded area of Botarell, Tarragona. According to information from the Mossos, the operation in September is the second phase of an investigation that began that same year.

The first phase concluded in November 2024, with the dismantling of a criminal organization allegedly involved in international drug trafficking. Investigators later analysed the seized material to look for connections to the kidnapping.

The searches allowed for the location and seizure of various items that are now being examined. So far, the Mossos have not specified the role of each detainee or what items were found in the searched homes.

The four arrested individuals were brought before the court on September 24 and appeared before the Instruction Section of the Court of First Instance number 2 of Reus, where the proceedings have been transferred.

The origin of the case dates back to late June 2024, when the victim's family reported that the kidnappers demanded €240,000 for his release. The family paid around $32,000 in cryptocurrency, without receiving any further information about the man's condition.

According to investigations, the victim, aged 46, had travelled from Italy to meet members of the investigated organization. Agents are still trying to determine what relationship he had with them and how the events unfolded.

The proceedings will remain open in the Reus court while the evidence seized in the searches of the three municipalities in Barcelona is analysed.