By PAUL O’DONOGHUE, Senior Correspondent
SPANISH police have arrested Faustino Nogales, a former senior narcotics officer, as part of a major probe into drug trafficking and money laundering in Mallorca.
Mr Nogales was one of 13 people arrested as part of an investigation into an alleged criminal organization. Mr Nogales is the former head of the National Police’s Narcotics Unit in the Balearic Islands.
The probe is a joint operation involving Spain’s Policía Nacional and Guardia Civil. The 13 detainees are to be brought before court tomorrow morning.
In a statement to AML Intelligence, the Guardia Civil said: “We can only tell you that there is indeed an operation linked to money laundering.
“[It] is ongoing and under summary secrecy.”
The organization declined to comment on any issues regarding Mr Nogales.
His detention is the second high-profile arrest of a Spanish police officer in a money laundering probe in recent months.
Chief Inspector Óscar Sánchez Gil, head of the Spanish economic crimes department, was arrested in November after €20 million in cash was found in his home.
Faustino Nogales arrest
Regarding Faustino Nogales, local media report he was in an operation which began on Monday morning.
Police carried out simultaneous searches in Palma, Binissalem and Inca. They continued on Tuesday, including at Nogales’s home in Palma.
Police arrived in the evening, while Mr Nogales remained in custody at National Police headquarters.
El País reported that police are examining links between Mr Nogales and the United Tribuns gang. The publication said the group has links to trafficking in nightclubs and brothels in Mallorca.
Most of the 13 arrested are accused of belonging to the United Tribuns, according to El País. Stefan Milojevic, the alleged leader of the group, was also arrested.
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