Violent Salford gang members arrested in Marbella

SIX people suspected of being part of a violent crime ring have been arrested in Spain in a joint operation between the Spanish National Police, Greater Manchester Police and the UK’s National Crime Agency. 

Dawn raids at two Marbella properties took place on February 16, resulting in the arrest of three Salford men aged 20, 25 and 28, as well as a 41-year-old man from Trafford and a 31-year-old woman from Dublin. 

The three Salford males were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a firearm and membership of an organised crime group, while the Trafford man and Dublin woman were arrested on suspicion of membership of an organised crime group. 

On February 3, a 23-year-old man from Salford was also arrested in Marbella on a European arrest warrant on suspicion of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply. 

During the February 16 raids, officers recovered a loaded hand gun, some ammunition and four knives from the properties. 

Thanking Spanish police and the National Crime Agency, the Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Rebekah Sutcliffe, described the arrests as “a significant result in our fight against organised crime in Salford. This sends out a clear message to all those involved in organised crime, that we will never give up and we will find you, even if you have left the country.”

The Head of the International Crime Bureau at the National Crime Agency, Dave Allen, said: “Law enforcement does its best work and has the most impact when it pools resources and works collaboratively.”

He went on to express gratitude to all involved in the sting operation, praising their “determination and professionalism in targeting organised crime groups and fugitives, who seek to use Spain as a base for their criminal activities.”