Civil Guard officers intercepted a man at Barcelona-El Prat airport who tried to leave Spain with his young son without authorization. The arrest was prompted by a child abduction complaint filed by the child’s mother at the Tías Armed Institute barracks in Lanzarote.
According to the mother’s report, the former partner had the child in the Catalan capital and planned to fly abroad. A formal agreement between the parents restricts international travel for the child without both parents’ express consent.
Although there is no specific Spanish law prohibiting movement within the country, Civil Guard teams acted swiftly to locate the father and child before they could board the flight to Naples, Italy, at El Prat airport.
Only 30 minutes left to leave the country
Al Prat Airport. DAY
With time running out, authorities moved decisively. Boarding for the Naples flight was scheduled to begin in about 30 minutes. A substantial deployment of Civil Guard units enabled the arrest of the father, who faced allegations of abducting a child.
The individual was brought to the courthouse and released with new detention conditions under the supervision of the presiding magistrate. While the arrest took place, other agents focused on keeping the child calm and protected during the moment of intervention.
The child’s mother, who resides in Lanzarote, had traveled to Barcelona to take care of her son. The rapid intervention by the authorities not only prevented the child from being taken out of the country without permission but also ensured the child’s safety during the detention process. This action also highlighted the importance of swift interagency collaboration when family law matters involve potential cross-border movement. (Citation: Civil Guard record of the incident)