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Date Published: 15/05/2025

Sun, Sea… and Shootings: Crime Casts a Shadow Over the Costa del Sol

Despite an overall drop in violent crime, delinquency figures in southern Spain have fluctuated, with attempted murders and kidnappings increasing

Official crime figures for the first quarter of 2025 paint a mixed picture in Málaga province. While many types of crime have declined, some of the most serious offences, such as attempted murder and kidnapping, have seen notable increases.

The year began with a series of violent incidents, including the killing of American tourist Father Gross in a central Malaga holiday apartment. It was the first homicide of 2025 in the province, followed by further shocking cases: a woman strangled by her ex-partner in Benalmádena despite being denied a restraining order, and a man fatally shot in a residential block in Palma-Palmilla. Six murders were recorded between January and March, the same number as the first quarter of 2024.

However, attempted murders rose by 16.7%, from 12 to 14 cases. Law enforcement officials attribute this increase to a wider surge in violence, often linked to organised crime. In just 40 days, six shootings occurred in the province, three of them in the city of Málaga. Many of these incidents are believed to be connected to drug-related disputes and territorial conflicts between rival gangs.

According to police sources, criminal groups are becoming more heavily armed and more willing to use weapons. Whereas in the past, firearms were often fake or unloaded, there is now a clear shift towards real weapons being used in both disputes and street-level confrontations. Officers say that these weapons are often seen as tools of intimidation and symbols of status.

A recent report noted that more than 15 international criminal groups are known to operate in the region, with Marbella and Mijas standing out as hotspots for drug-related violence. Increasingly, these networks are run by younger individuals who, authorities say, are more reckless and heavily influenced by the glamorised image of criminal life in films and social media.

Kidnappings have also doubled since last year, with six cases recorded in the first quarter. One of the most concerning involved a teenager abducted at machete point in an attempt to extract information about his brother. Four other minors were arrested in connection with the case. Prosecutors warn that these tactics are becoming more common, especially among youth gangs mimicking the methods of organised crime groups.

Despite these high-profile crimes, the wider statistics show a general decline in other offences. Violent robberies are down by 5.2%, and home burglaries have decreased by nearly 22%. Reports of cybercrime dropped by 2.6%, with cases of online fraud falling by just over 3%. Sexual assaults remained level at 173 cases, and reported rapes fell by 8.3%. One case that drew particular attention involved a 65-year-old man arrested several times in Málaga city centre on suspicion of repeated assaults. He was released on bail pending psychiatric assessment.

While drug trafficking offences have slightly declined, police continue to disrupt major operations. In one recent raid, eight suspects were arrested and half a million euros in cash was seized. The group was allegedly transporting hashish by sea from Morocco to distribute across mainland Spain.

Despite these operational successes, concerns remain over how effectively authorities are tackling organised crime. Spain’s two primary law enforcement agencies, the Guardia Civil and the Policía Nacíonal, still operate using separate systems, with little data-sharing between them. A Guardia Civil official admitted this lack of coordination can result in investigative blind spots. Jurisdictional divides further complicate the issue, with the Guardia Civil responsible for areas like Mijas, while the Policía Nacíonal focus on larger urban centres.

Málaga's attractiveness to foreign investors has also come under scrutiny. Although Spain recently scrapped its "golden visa" scheme, which granted residency to foreigners who invested at least €500,000 in property, many argue it was too late to stem the flow of money from unclear sources. Critics say the Costa del Sol's reputation for luxury living has made it fertile ground for criminal organisations seeking to blend in.

As one local resident commented, "We opened the door to people flashing money, and we never asked where it came from."

While the data shows encouraging signs in many areas, the rise in violent incidents and the growing influence of organised crime serve as a reminder that deeper issues remain unresolved. Behind Málaga’s sunny image, the challenge of maintaining safety and tackling criminal networks continues.

Málaga province crime snapshot: 2025

Completed murders: 6 (no change from Q1 2024)
Attempted murders: 14 (up 16.7%)
Kidnappings: 6 (doubled from 3)
Shootings in 40 days: 6 (3 in Málaga city)
Violent robberies: Down 5.2%
Home burglaries: Down 21.8%
Sexual assaults: Unchanged
Rapes: Down 8.3%
Cyber fraud: 3,175 cases (down 3.1%)
Drug-related arrests: Ongoing, with major seizures continuing

Image: kalhh/Pixabay

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