Since the afternoon of December 23, Yousef Mohamed Lehrech, known as El Pastilla, became Spain’s most sought fugitive. In a bold move, he escaped from Alcalá-Meco prison in Madrid, exploiting miscommunications with relatives and a series of custody gaps that allowed him to slip away undetected. Within a short span of fewer than 20 days, he found himself at the center of a dramatic chase, after being moved from Algeciras prison to avoid retaliation from Nayim KA Tayena, who was shot in the chest in Los Barrios, Cádiz, in April.
After meeting with relatives, Yousef left the facility without formal handover of a prison officer, and staff opened the door for him during what was presented as a routine visit. He then intersected with other visitors who were headed in the same direction. Prison staff faced one of the busiest days in the year, a day before Christmas, which created additional opportunities for such a breach.
By disguising himself, he capitalized on the officer’s return of identification documents to blend with departing guests, slipping through the vehicle access area and escaping back inside the building. A misidentification by staff briefly allowed him to be mistaken for another visitor before proceeding toward the exit.
Investigators say he managed to leave with external assistance. National Police are examining whether he had contact with family in Ceuta or received support from associates involved in trafficking networks in Algeciras and Ceuta. Police sources suggest there may be connections to people in Morocco, though the investigation continues and a broad arrest warrant has been issued to all security forces in the country, including Mossos d’Esquadra.
Maximum diffusion
Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to aid in the search for Yousef Mohamed Lehrech, 20 years old, standing 1.88 meters tall and nicknamed El Pastilla. The public is reminded that any sightings or information should be reported without delay through official channels, and that sharing tips can play a crucial role in the pursuit. The message highlights the importance of information dissemination in ongoing investigations.
Lehrech was previously detained in a temporary facility, arrested by the Civil Guard for the murder of a man he mistook for a rival gang member, as well as the killing of his boss, Tayena. He was located in Algeciras port and was attempting to return to Ceuta when the incident unfolded. He has been listed in the Special Observation File, indicating a higher level of risk and closer monitoring. Despite this designation, he managed to leave without proper custody or notification.
Sources within the union indicate that staffing shortages and outdated procedures at Alcalá-Meco contributed to a cascade of oversights, culminating in the escape. The facility, which houses youth inmates in the initial stages of their confinement, has faced scrutiny over whether its security protocol matched the danger posed by certain detainees.
double murder
Internal investigations into the escape are underway, with authorities questioning several staff members and tracing the route taken by the fugitive. It is noted that Yousef should not have been placed in Alcalá-Meco under the current classification of detainees deemed highly dangerous due to the crimes under temporary detention.
Related updates indicate that El Pastilla is linked to a gang-connected drug operation led by Tayena, based in Ceuta. Reports suggest he played various roles within the organization and that the killing, linked to tensions within the drug trade, precipitated his move from Algeciras to Alcalá-Meco. The escape has raised questions about how those ties and movements were managed during custody.