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Hugger mugger - one of the most wanted fugitives in Spain - is arrested in Alicante
The Romanian woman detained on the Costa Blanca allegedly used the 'hug and kiss' technique to rob at least 7 pensioners
One of Spain's most wanted fugitives, a Romanian woman subject to seven arrest warrants issued by courts across the country, has been arrested in Alicante.
The 30-year-old allegedly used the 'hug and kiss' technique to rob at least seven elderly victims (one is pictured giving a statement), stealing jewellery from her unsuspecting targets.
The 'hugger mugger' was wanted by judicial bodies in Fuengirola, Malaga, where she had three other warrants pending, as well as by the authorities in Manzanares in Ciudad Real and Torrevieja.
According to a statement by Alicante National Police, the offences occurred in 2015, 2022 and 2023.
"There are rarely people who are subject to seven search and arrest warrants, and much less women, it is far more common that they are men", said the police, adding that the detainee "had more warrants or requisitions than any other fugitive in Spain".
The 30-year-old is considered to be the leader of a criminal group "dedicated to committing crimes against property", and police have described her modus operandi as "affectionate" or "amorous" distraction, with clear sinister intent.
"The victims are usually very elderly men who are assaulted in the street by a woman who embraces them very effusively and kisses them on the mouth. The aim is to remove gold or silver chains from their necks or watches from their wrists.," adds the statement.
The 'hugger mugger' acts quickly and flees, leaving the victim with no time to react.
And police have warned, these thieves will resort to violence if necessary.
"In the event that the victim does have the ability to respond, the thieves do not hesitate to act with force to achieve their goals by pulling victims to the ground, which is then considered robbery with violence."
And Alicante's National Police is worried this type of robbery is becoming more commonplace.
"We are concerned because there is an upward trend in this type of crime, which we consider to be particularly shocking. The criminals take advantage of the fact that their victims do not usually remember their faces, which makes it easier for them to evade justice."
The detainee, who has been arrested nine times for similar offences, has been handed over to the Alicante Examining Magistrates' Court where she will face seven counts of robbery of varying degrees.
Image: Policia Nacional
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