Civil Guards arrested three men and one woman, aged between 24 and 63, who were caught attempting to assassinate a Valencia businessman. The target, a Puçol resident, was attacked while arriving at his company and preparing to exit his vehicle. He escaped only by inches as two motorcycle riders approached and opened fire. The incident occurred in December of last year, and the authorities say the attackers fled after the first gunshot failed to be fatal.
In the official statement from the Civil Guard Provincial Command, investigators noted that the assailants fled the scene after a second shot was fired but did not reach their target. The gunfire was aimed directly at the businessman as he stood by his car, raising alarm and prompting a swift escape into his vehicle. Moments later, police who arrived at the scene conducted a visual inspection and found a short firearm chambered in 22 caliber, along with a twisted lead bullet and spent metal cartridges that had deformed on impact.
Evidence collected at the scene was catalogued and sent to the ballistics section of the Valencia Criminalistics Lab for analysis. Ballistic technicians identified the weapon and linked it to a suspected criminal network. The patrols also traced the motorcycle used by the attackers and confirmed that the group consisted of Colombian nationals who have established themselves in the Valencia and Girona regions.
Further review of the suspects’ movements revealed that three individuals arrested in the three months leading up to the attack had carried out occasional surveillance on the victim and his surroundings. The aim was to map the victim’s routine, identify entry and exit points, and determine suitable times and routes for a possible ambush.
The investigation then shifted to locating the weapon and the person responsible for protecting the group’s operations. A fourth person, a woman, was taken into custody for coordinating storage of the firearm with the organization and for facilitating access to the weapon. She was also involved in handling payments via a rapid-transfer app.
Audits of the operation revealed that the hit group had previously received a 30,000 euro payment, with 15,000 euros advanced for the execution of the plan. Civil Guard investigators noted that the group had been preparing for a renewed attempt during the coming summer, with one member recovering from surgery and others seeking a backup shooter from Colombia. The looming threat to the victim’s life prompted authorities to intensify efforts and ultimately dismantle the network.
To complete the operation, five properties were searched, two located in the Puçol district and three in Figueras, Girona. The searches yielded two short-firearm cartridges, one with a suppressor, and documents linking the victim’s business to the suspects. Also recovered were the motorcycle used by the assailants and a handwritten map outlining the town and routes associated with the crime.
In total, four arrests were made: three men and one woman, all Colombian citizens aged 24 to 63. The men face charges of attempted murder, membership in a criminal organization, and illegal weapons possession, while the woman is charged with membership in a criminal organization and illegal weapons possession. The case is being processed under Instruction No. 1 of the Massamagrell Criminal Court. One suspect was temporarily detained and another released under precautionary measures.
As authorities continue their inquiries, the Civil Guard emphasizes that the investigation remains active, and the case serves as a clear reminder of the risks posed by organized crime networks in the region. The team behind the operation affirms its commitment to preventing future attacks and safeguarding the community, relying on meticulous detective work, forensic analysis, and coordinated action across jurisdictions to bring those responsible to justice. The public is reminded to report any information that could assist ongoing inquiries, and to remain vigilant about potential threats connected to organized crime networks. This case is cited by the Civil Guard as a demonstration of their efforts to disrupt such groups and prevent violence in both Valencia and Girona.