The Basque LGTBI + Observatory raised early alarms about threats facing people in the community as authorities prepared to examine reports about a suspect connected to several killings in Bilbao during September and October 2021. The group urged swift, effective protective measures for those at risk and pressed for a clear, prompt response from the authorities. Source: El Correo and local investigative bodies.
The federation of associations representing groups across Euskadi told the Ertzaintza that someone who could be responsible for four killings in Bilbao should be detained. The person’s identity and current whereabouts were not disclosed publicly at the time of reporting. Source: Basque security authorities and the federation.
The Basque Security Department refused to share details about the case, noting that initial information remained confidential. Source: Basque Security Department.
The murders and related crimes appeared to involve suspects who contacted victims through online networks, reportedly inviting them to their homes and using the same method in each case. It is alleged that the perpetrator obtained card codes and other banking details by administering narcotics. Delayed withdrawals and transfers from victims’ accounts were said to be conducted via ATMs and on the perpetrator’s behalf. Source: investigative media reports and police summaries.
The investigation began after the possible killing of a 43-year-old Bilbao resident on October 18, 2021, after which the victims’ bank accounts were looted. Source: police case file and media reporting.
A man living in Bilbao was charged in connection with these crimes, and authorities indicated that he survived the attack. Source: police statements.
Researchers also hypothesized that the suspect could be linked to earlier deaths with similar circumstances that had previously been ruled natural. A backpack found at a potential victim’s residence in Bilbao’s Old Town contained documents and a vessel with liquid ecstasy, possibly used to facilitate identification and control during attacks. Source: investigative findings and the observatory.
Beyond the four alleged murders, the Basque LGTBI+ Observatory reported a sexual assault in Santurtzi and a homophobic attack involving two men in Amorebieta, condemning what it described as LGTBI+ social phobia fueling these incidents. Source: observatory statements and local coverage.
The observatory framed these events as emblematic of a broader trend rather than isolated cases, noting rising data on hate incidents and crimes in recent years, especially in 2021. Source: observatory analysis and regional data.
Consequently, the group called on authorities to take urgent and effective steps to protect and defend the fundamental rights of LGTBI+ people. It pledged full use of necessary human and material resources to investigate these crimes, ensuring careful attention to victims and their families. Source: observatory press release.
Meanwhile EH Bildu requested a meeting with Bilbao City Council to obtain firsthand information from spokespersons about the alleged murders and the ongoing response. The party reiterated concerns about what it described as institutional silence and announced support for mobilizations planned for May 17 against LGTBIphobia. Source: EH Bildu statements and council records.