A 43-year-old man was arrested by Malaga Local Police on suspicions of crimes against sexual freedom and related offenses. The arrest followed the discovery of several concealed motion-detection cameras at the fairground. Investigations by the National Police later revealed images showing teenagers in vulnerable situations, including some who were underage. [Citation: National Police]
The incident unfolded around 2:15 a.m. in the fairground district, near Calle de la, during the late hours from Sunday into Monday, August 15. A patrol on security duty noticed behavior that appeared suspicious. The man repeatedly bent over and looked to the sides as if trying not to be seen. [Citation: Local Police]
After covert surveillance, officers approached him. When confronted, he attempted to flee and dropped a device that proved to be a camera. A thorough search of the area with flashlights uncovered up to five motion-detection cameras hidden in spots where young people often gather to use restrooms and to urinate in public spaces. [Citation: Police Statement]
Cameras and other equipment connected to the detainee were seized. Following initial questioning, the man admitted ownership of the cameras. A focused search of his person and backpack turned up a substantial amount of gear, including the five motion cameras, two mobile phones, a separate camera and video camera, two hard drives, a flashlight, an MP4 player, five USB drives, and 49 memory cards. [Citation: Police Report]
Authorities then arrested the man and transported him to the Málaga Provincial Police Station, with the National Police taking over subsequent investigations. [Citation: National Police]
Two searches at locations tied to the detainee
Officers from the Specialized and Violent Crimes Unit UDEV of the Police Provincial Courthouse Brigade conducted two entry operations and searches at two sites connected to the detainee. [Citation: Local Police]
In a holiday apartment linked to the inquiry, investigators found and seized additional devices similar to those found at the fairground, including several mini cameras, a laptop, a tablet, multiple memory cards and chargers. In this location, a camera hidden on a balcony was discovered, intended to capture activity on the street as people traveled through the area during the holiday period. [Citation: Police Report]
A second operation occurred near Real de la Feria at another holiday residence used by the person under investigation. [Citation: Local Police]
Hidden cameras in wall cavities on public roads
The initial apartment search expanded to a broader inspection of an alley, where several mini-cameras were found following investigators’ directions. One camera was concealed in a hole in a street-level wall. In total, three cameras with the same characteristics as those seized earlier were intercepted. [Citation: National Police]
Images of boys and girls in compromising situations
As investigations continue, authorities are reviewing and analyzing all intercepted material. A preliminary examination of one of the detainee’s mobile phones revealed substantial content related to child exploitation, including images of boys and girls in compromising situations in various settings. [Citation: National Police]
Items seized in connection with the case include photo cameras, mini portable surveillance cameras, mobile devices, external storage, multiple memory cards, a laptop, and additional related equipment. [Citation: Police Report]