National Police officers in Germany captured a high-profile fugitive who had been listed among EUROPOL’s “Europe’s Most Wanted” in concert with the ENFAST NETWORK’s FAST Germany squad. The individual, identified as Aomar Abdel Lah Belghazi, was connected to a boxing competition team in the Canary Islands. At international events, he faced a long-standing legal challenge for a rape allegation dating back to 2020, which led to a nine-year prison sentence after a definitive conviction was issued.
The case trace reveals that the incidents prompting the wanted status occurred in 2015. Investigators describe the detainee as a well-known international boxer who allegedly coerced a young woman at a Gran Canaria race track and forced her into sexual activity. When the victim resisted, authorities report that the suspect allegedly assaulted and raped her, resulting in multiple injuries.
On 17 November, authorities from the National Police, in cooperation with German authorities, apprehended Aomar Abdel Lah Belghazi in Rothenburg, Germany. The operation benefited from the assistance of the SIRENE Spain Office and operational support from the ENFAST network – FAST Team Germany. This collaborative effort helped to locate the fugitive and bring him into custody.
Following careful investigations, authorities determined that the fugitive should be included in the Europe’s Most Wanted program developed by ENFAST in coordination with EUROPOL. The initiative disseminated his image across Europe to solicit information from the public and potential leads from partner agencies.
Investigators gathered data about a possible social media footprint used by the suspect, which pointed to locations across Germany. At that stage, a European Arrest Warrant and Extradition Order were requested, along with urgent operational support related to his location and detention in Germany through the ENFAST network. Investigators do not dismiss the possibility that the individual may have been involved in other sexual assaults, given past patterns and corroborating testimonies.
Experts note that rapid cross-border cooperation between national police forces and international networks plays a crucial role in resolving cases involving suspects who operate across multiple jurisdictions. The coordination demonstrates how information sharing and joint task forces can accelerate arrests and ensure accountability for serious offenses.
Early investigations emphasized the importance of alerting the public and leveraging digital footprints to pinpoint a suspect’s movements. Law enforcement agencies highlighted the need for ongoing vigilance, especially in high-profile, international cases where a fugitive uses public appearances and professional affiliations to obscure real activity.
Ongoing updates indicate that authorities remain vigilant for new information that could shed light on other potential offenses tied to the individual. The case has underscored the effectiveness of multinational investigative frameworks and the ongoing commitment of partner agencies to uphold victims’ rights and pursue justice across borders.
Marking a culmination of a lengthy manhunt, the arrest in Rothenburg represents a significant step in the EUROPOL-ENFAST collaborative effort to curb international crime. The operation illustrates how systematic sharing of data, strategic use of warrants, and coordinated raids can lead to swift, decisive outcomes in complex cases. The collaboration illustrates the impact of sustained international engagement in pursuing justice for victims and ensuring that those responsible face legal consequences .