The British man who was shot three times during a dramatic assassination attempt is the alleged leader of a violent criminal gang operating on the Costa Blanca, it has emerged.
Named only as Peter F, the 32-year-old was targeted while sitting in his vehicle in an underground car park in Orihuela Costa at around 10pm on Thursday.
His vehicle was sprayed with up to 15 bullets beneath Calle Cabo de Gata, in the area of Lomas de Cabo Roig.
A photo shared with the Spanish Eye by a local source shows the windscreen riddled with bullet holes.
The Guardia Civil is investigating the incident as a possible gangland-style revenge attack.
The victim, previously known as Sonny James R., was arrested in April as the alleged leader of an armed British gang accused of extorting cannabis clubs across the Vega Baja region in order to seize control of their operations and profits.
According to police sources quoted by regional newspaper Informacion, he was quizzed over the armed robbery of a cannabis club in San Fulgencio, where investigators allege he threatened the owner with death and demanded €25,000 and 50% of profits.
During his arrest in Orihuela Costa, three Guardia Civil officers were injured after he reportedly offered strong resistance.
Searches at his home uncovered two submachine guns classified as military-grade weapons, along with more than 300 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
Investigators believe he led a criminal group operating in a mafia-style structure that had already taken control of two cannabis clubs in the Vega Baja.
Another British national was arrested in the same operation, while several other suspects remain under investigation.
Following his arrest, he was held in pre-trial detention before being released on provisional bail on November 28 by Investigating Court No. 3 in Orihuela, subject to precautionary measures, after a request by his defence lawyer.
Local residents along the Orihuela coastline have repeatedly called for increased police presence in recent months, citing a sharp rise in serious crime.
Their concerns were raised again earlier this year after another shooting and an attempted kidnapping, just days after a 21-year-old Irish man was left critically injured when he was shot in the head near a leisure area close to Zenia Boulevard shopping centre.
After Peter F was shot last night, a neighbour came to his aid and rushed him to Torrevieja University Hospital, where he arrived with gunshot wounds and was treated as an emergency.
After undergoing diagnostic tests, doctors took him straight into surgery. He remains in intensive care in a serious condition.
He is said to be ‘out of danger’ after initially being classed as critical.
The Guardia Civil units from Pilar de la Horadada and Torrevieja have taken charge of the investigation.
No arrests have been announced so far, and officers have not released details about a possible motive or suspects.
