An alleged Colombian extortion boss will be extradited from Spain following his capture on the Costa del Sol, a court has ruled.

Known only by his nickname ‘Tiburon’ (Shark), the alleged senior leader of the feared Gulf Clan was found hiding in Benahavis earlier this year.

The Audiencia Nacional has now ruled that he can be extradited to Colombia to stand trial on allegations including extortion, serious threats and membership of a criminal organisation.

According to Colombian prosecutors, the suspect served between 2021 and July 2024 as the commander of a debt collection and extortion unit within a branch of the Gulf Clan.

The group is also known as the Gaitanist Self-Defence Forces of Colombia and is considered one of the country’s most powerful criminal organisations.

Authorities claim he was responsible for collecting ‘taxes’ from drug traffickers and civilians, extorting money and land through intimidation, and threatening victims with firearms.

Court documents allege that when victims refused to comply, members of the organisation would visit their homes and threaten to kill family members.

Murder investigation led to international warrant

The Colombian investigation began after the murder of the president of a neighbourhood association in February 2022.

Investigators believe members of the same Gulf Clan faction were responsible for the killing, with detectives later identifying ‘Tiburón’ as one of the alleged leaders overseeing extortion operations.

Court rejects defence arguments

During an extradition hearing in May, the suspect opposed being returned to Colombia.

His lawyers argued there was insufficient evidence, that extradition would be disproportionate, and that he risked having his fundamental rights violated if returned.

However, the National Court rejected each of those arguments, ruling that Colombia had provided sufficient evidence to justify extradition and that the alleged offences also constitute crimes under Spanish law.

Judges also dismissed claims that the suspect faced a specific risk of inhuman or degrading treatment in Colombia.

The ruling authorises the extradition through the courts, although the Spanish government has the final decision on whether the handover proceeds.

The decision is not yet final and can still be appealed before the full Criminal Chamber of the National Court.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.