A British man was shot dead on the Costa Blanca, Spain, on January 21, 2025, marking a troubling spike in violent crime in the area. The body of the 29-year-old was discovered at a residential property just north of the tourist destination of Torrevieja. Authorities were alerted by friends concerned about his well-being, leading the police to find his bloodied body.
Civil Guard detectives are treating the incident as a possible drug-related murder, although no arrests have been made in connection with the case. This latest killing follows a series of violent events involving British nationals in the region, raising alarm among locals and tourists alike.
Investigations are underway to determine whether this murder is linked to previous violent incidents in the Costa Blanca. Just weeks prior, another British man was shot multiple times in an underground car park near Torrevieja. In a separate incident on December 11, 2024, a 32-year-old British man was targeted in a botched assassination attempt, with around 15 bullets fired at his vehicle in Orihuela Costa. The victim had been released on bail shortly before the shooting, having faced charges related to an armed robbery at a cannabis club.
Rising Concerns Over Crime Rates
The recent surge in violence extends beyond isolated incidents. In May 2024, an Irishman was critically injured after being shot in the head near the La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre, which has become a hotspot for criminal activity. Two suspects were arrested two weeks later on suspicion of attempted murder in that case.
In June, a second Irish national was stabbed in the neck during a late-night incident near the same area, necessitating urgent medical intervention. A 58-year-old suspect was arrested in July for that attack. The string of violent acts has contributed to heightened fears among expatriates and visitors in the region.
The murder of John George, a Belfast-born father of one, adds another layer to the troubling narrative. His body was found in an orchard in Rojales after he had gone missing in December 2024, prompting searches by concerned family members. The Civil Guard is actively investigating these incidents to uncover potential gang-related activities behind the violence.
Recent law enforcement efforts have targeted drug trafficking networks operating in the region. Last week, five individuals were arrested during a significant crackdown in Alicante, where authorities dismantled a criminal operation suspected of distributing cocaine and ecstasy. Police seized approximately 4.5 kilos of cocaine, 1 kilo of ecstasy pills, and €14,000 in cash from six properties across Rojales, Daya Nueva, Catral, and Almoradí.
Detectives noted the suspects employed sophisticated hiding methods, including secret compartments in modified butane canisters.
Broader Crime Trends in Spain
The situation in Costa Blanca reflects broader trends in Spain, particularly in regions like Catalonia. Reports indicate over 50 crimes are recorded every hour, with thefts and cyber fraud comprising nearly half of all detected offenses. While overall crime rates have declined by 4.5% compared to the previous year, drug trafficking offenses have risen by 8.4%.
The crime rate in Alicante province saw an increase of 4.7% in the first half of 2025 relative to 2024. Torrevieja specifically has the highest crime ratio in the province, with approximately 5 crimes reported per 100 residents.
As authorities continue their investigations, the rising tide of violence in Costa Blanca raises questions about safety for both residents and visitors in this popular tourist destination.
