Costa del Sol violent gang crime rising, 44 per cent more cases than last year

MALAGA PROVINCE’S Attorney’s Office has warned that criminal organisations are able to act with impunity on the Costa del Sol as figures showed gang violence is on the rise.

The Attorney’s Office said gangs were being drawn to the Costa del Sol because it is near Morocco, making it ideal for drugs smugglers.

It comes as figures from prosecutors showed 95 cases were opened into homicide and murder in 2018, 44 per cent more than the previous year.

The Attorney’s Office said the techniques used by gangs to target their rivals were becoming more dangerous.

They referred to two cases which saw someone targeted with explosives in Benahavis and San Pedro de Alcantara.

It is believed the bombs, as well as one found on a Marbella urbanisation which did not go off, were planted as part of wider disputes between rival gangs.