Gastrojeta: A Case of Repeated Shortfalls Against Local Hospitality Venues
A Lithuanian man identified as Aidas J., aged 50, has earned the nickname gastrojeta in police circles for repeatedly attempting to dine and dash in Alicante and Benidorm. Recent reports indicate that he has settled in Benidorm and continues to lead a private life there. The pattern of behavior involves visiting restaurants and cafes, ordering meals and drinks, and then leaving without paying, a practice that has drawn the attention of local law enforcement and hospitality workers alike. Since the end of 2022, authorities have recorded numerous encounters with him in the Benidorm area, and an immigration file has been opened as part of ongoing police actions, raising the possibility of removal proceedings. Local businesses and residents are closely watching how these events unfold as the individual remains under scrutiny by the National Police.
One notable incident occurred on January 12, when Aidas was reported for attempting to leave a Benidorm restaurant without settling a 106 euro bill. According to the establishment, staff alerted the police after recognizing him, and officers detained him to address alleged misdemeanor fraud and related public safety concerns. This event marked another episode in a sequence of confrontations with service staff and authorities, contributing to the ongoing legal and social conversation about accountability in hospitality settings.
Escalation and repeated detentions
Following an initial period of stay in temporary police cells at the Benidorm Police Station, the individual was released and subsequently arrested again by the National Police on January 27. On that afternoon, authorities detained him for an alleged failure to pay an electricity bill of 113 euros for food and beverages, paired with a prior reputation for attempting to use cover stories to avoid payment. Reports describe him as engaging in provocative behavior toward restaurant patrons, including actions that shocked staff and guests and prompted police intervention. The pattern drew attention from local media and hospitality leaders as it complicated efforts to maintain a positive, safe dining environment for visitors and residents alike. The repeated incidents underscored the tension between guest expectations and responsible business practices in busy tourist districts, and they raised questions about how best to deter nonpayment while protecting vulnerable workers from harassment and intimidation.
Two days after the February incident, a manager at a Benidorm cafe reported another event involving a 20-euro tab for several drinks. In this episode, the individual allegedly collapsed to the floor in a feigned episode of abdominal pain, an act that prompted staff to contact authorities and had paramedics assess the situation. Although police intervened, the cafeteria owner opted not to pursue formal charges in this instance, a decision reflective of the delicate balance between customer care and enforcing payment terms in high-traffic venues. The ongoing narrative illustrates how one patron’s actions can ripple through the local hospitality scene, affecting staff morale, customer experience, and the city’s reputation as a welcoming destination for visitors.
Throughout these events, authorities have emphasized the importance of accountability and due process. They continue to monitor incidents, document patterns, and coordinate with hospitality associations to ensure that businesses can operate safely and sustainably. The broader takeaway for venues is clear: clear payment policies, visible signage, and professional security coordination help prevent losses while preserving a respectful environment for guests and staff. For the public, the case serves as a reminder that hospitality venues rely on mutual respect and fair dealings, and that law enforcement remains prepared to intervene when these norms are challenged. Citations: National Police reports and local hospitality news outlets provide ongoing coverage and official updates on this person’s activities and the surrounding consequences.