A man has been arrested in Marbella after allegedly using a fake drone pilot licence to work at major events on the Costa del Sol.
The 36-year-old suspect was detained by the Policia Nacional after investigators discovered the qualification he used to advertise his services was forged.
According to the Interior Ministry, the man promoted himself on social media as a professional photographer and drone operator supposedly certified by Spain’s aviation authority, AESA.
He even presented what appeared to be an official certificate issued by the agency.
However, police later confirmed the document was completely fake.
Investigators believe the suspect had been working since last year at large public events, including sporting competitions and music festivals in Marbella.
The case began after the Policia Nacional’s Air Unit flagged suspicious documentation linked to a drone operator.
The investigation was then taken over by officers from the UDEV serious crime unit at Marbella police station.
Detectives launched checks to verify whether the licence shown by the suspect was genuine.
He had reportedly used the document to justify flying drones weighing more than 249 grams, which require official training and certification in Spain.
However, checks with the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency confirmed the man had never obtained any official drone pilot qualification.
Authorities also established that no accredited training centre had reported him completing the required courses or practical assessments.
Despite this, he allegedly continued working professionally, flying drones above large crowds at major public gatherings.
Police say this posed a serious safety risk, as strict regulations apply when operating drones in busy public spaces.
Investigators believe he flew drones at several major cultural and sporting events, including an Ironman competition held in Marbella.
After completing their investigation, officers arrested the suspect on suspicion of document forgery.
Police have reminded the public that flying drones over crowds without proper training and certification can endanger public safety.
Authorities say professional drone operators must meet strict aviation rules and safety standards, particularly when flying above large events.
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