An alleged sexual predator stands accused of targeting vulnerable young men outside a shelter in Malaga.
The 42-year-old suspect has been arrested for the alleged sexual assault of at least two victims.
He is said to have lured them in with false promises of work or quick money.
The investigation began on March 17 after a woman reported her 20-year-old son missing.
The young man, who has limited cognitive ability, had last been seen getting into a car with an unknown individual in the western part of the city.
From the outset, officers treated the case as a ‘concerning disappearance.’
The case took a decisive turn when homicide investigators located a second victim – a young man of Malian origin who is under international protection – and who described a similar encounter.
According to his testimony, the suspect would loiter around the shelter area, approach vulnerable young men and gain their trust.
He allegedly lured them into his car with offers of work in plant nurseries or even the possibility of making money through petty theft targeting tourists.
Once inside the vehicle, the suspect is believed to have driven them to isolated locations, away from public view, where he made sexual advances and allegedly carried out assaults.
The second victim managed to escape by jumping from the moving car in a desperate attempt to flee.
Based on the information gathered, police launched an operation that led to the discovery of the missing 20-year-old on March 23 in Malaga. He was safely returned to his family.
Officers also identified and arrested the suspect at his home.
Police believe the man deliberately selected victims based on their vulnerability, targeting individuals he could more easily manipulate and control.
The investigation remains open, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional victims or the involvement of other individuals.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
