Two British tourists have been arrested in Benidorm after allegedly orchestrating a fake kidnapping scheme to extort money from a relative, with the bizarre aim of funding an extended holiday. The incident, which unfolded in late February 2026, saw Spanish police launch a large-scale operation based on false reports, only to discover the supposed victim and kidnapper were accomplices in a fraudulent plot.
Elaborate Hoax Unravels
The case began when a relative in the UK received alarming videos showing one of the men, a 37-year-old, covered in fake blood while a 51-year-old accomplice threatened him with a knife, demanding a ransom of £725. The relative immediately alerted British authorities, who then contacted Interpol, triggering a swift response from Spanish police in Alicante.
Police Mobilization and Investigation
Believing a genuine kidnapping was underway, officers mobilized all available resources in Benidorm, including a specialized unit from Madrid that deals with kidnappings and extortion. Hostage negotiators were dispatched, and police established direct contact with the relative, who provided a photo of the alleged kidnapper and details of the ransom demand.
Investigators identified a hotel in Benidorm as the suspected location, where the men had checked in days earlier. A discreet surveillance operation was set up, and preparations were made for a potential rescue raid. However, the plan was abruptly called off when officers observed the two men exiting the hotel casually, chatting in a relaxed manner, which contradicted the severity of the reported situation.
Arrests and Charges
Both men were intercepted and arrested on suspicion of simulating a crime and fraud. During processing at a nearby police station, it was discovered that the older suspect had used a false name when checking into the hotel and during his initial identification, leading to an additional charge of identity fraud.
A spokesman for Spain's National Police in Alicante confirmed the arrests, stating, "Officers in Benidorm have arrested two British men aged 37 and 51 for simulating a kidnap with the aim of making some quick cash." The spokesman emphasized the extensive police resources deployed, noting that the hoax had virtually paralyzed police activity in the holiday resort, potentially resulting in a huge compensation demand for the men.
Previous Incidents in the Area
This is not the first time Benidorm has been linked to such crimes. In April of the previous year, police arrested a British woman accused of masterminding a bungled robbery and kidnapping near Benidorm, targeting a wealthy former partner with the help of her ex-husband. That case involved seized items like tasers, an air pistol, and duct tape, highlighting ongoing concerns about criminal activities involving British nationals in the region.
The recent fake kidnapping case underscores the serious consequences of such fraudulent acts, with the accused now facing potential prison time and financial penalties for wasting police resources and causing unnecessary alarm.
