The National Police arrested a 41-year-old man, whose identity was not released, accusing him of extortion connected to a group that illegally occupied homes with the aim of demanding payments to release them. In the police statement, it was noted that a sizable sum had been paid to property owners to reclaim their homes.
The incident occurred last October. Room 091 received a call warning that a large crowd was gathering; among those present were several minors attempting to force entry through access doors to a building on Carmen Street Sewage, with the alleged goal of occupying the properties illegally.
A large police presence from both the National and Local forces was deployed to the scene. Officers confirmed that the group entered the building and moved further inside, occupying several properties without permission.
One homeowner reported that someone had contacted him and identified himself as the group’s leader. He allegedly informed the owner that, to reclaim the shantytown houses, a payment of 3,000 euros per property was required—described as the cost of hiring for an eviction. The total amount involved was said to be 45,000 euros in exchange for not leaving the building vacant.
Paid free
The National Police, through investigators with specialized units, identified the person currently detained and indicated that the individual would be held accountable for extortion. The police statement noted that the person is now free from charges under further review. [Source: Local Police Alguazas – Murcia]
Regarding the other residents involved, authorities began identifying them as well; several were charged with minor offenses related to residential burglary. Under local criminal law, occupying a property without the owner’s permission constitutes a petty crime, often resulting in a small fine of three to six months in some cases.
Local authorities in Alcantarilla completed the clearance of the building, and the lawful owners were able to access their homes again.
Today, the Alguazas police managed to stop another attempt at a squat. The suspect, caught in the act and arrested for house robbery, was scheduled to be brought before a judge the following day. Municipal personnel sealed and divided the dwelling for safety and orderly handover. [img src=””]
— Local Police Alguazas – Murcia (@AlguazasPolicia) 19 November 2023