Malaga police seize 36 illegal VTC cabs in major crackdown – Even informal airport runs in spotlight

Police in the Malaga area have launched a determined effort against unauthorised ride-hailing services, similar to Uber, operating with deceptive legal appearances. This targeted action protects legitimate drivers and passengers while curbing illicit activities at key locations.

Operation Transport Legítimo uncovers widespread violations

Officers from Malaga Local Police Investigation and Protection Group collaborated closely with regional transport officials from the Junta de Andalucia. Their joint operation focused on vehicles providing chauffeur-driven services without proper VTC licences. Surveillance intensified particularly around Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, the city centre and western districts.

Investigators completed 2,900 checks during this phase. Results included 36 vehicles impounded and moved to municipal depots for operating without required authorisation. One additional taxi from another area also faced penalties for the same breach.

Criminal cases reveal document fraud and identity theft

Enforcement teams identified serious offences that led to arrests. In one instance officers stopped a driver using licence plates from another vehicle belonging to the same company. Further checks confirmed the individual lacked any credentials for the activity.

Another case involved a driver who presented his brother’s identification documents during a routine stop. Police enquiries established that this person was residing illegally in Spain and held no valid driving licence. A third investigation began after discovery of a manipulated VTC accreditation card issued by Andalucian authorities. These three matters will now proceed through criminal channels.

Additional administrative breaches and licence irregularities

Inspectors immobilised one car for lacking compulsory insurance for acting as a taxi service. They also issued 71 administrative fines related to expired permits, unauthorised changes in vehicle usage and improper display of registration plates.

Examinations covered 25 companies in total. Four cases involved irregularities in driver hiring practices, which received formal notification to labour and social security inspectors. Many impounded vehicles had previously held VTC licences that owners sold or transferred. Despite this, operators continued running both old and new cars under single authorisations. Online platforms often remained unaware of these status changes and continued assigning rides.

Notable findings on vehicle disguises

Detection efforts exposed one vehicle equipped with blue registration plates to mimic official VTC status while actually registered for private use only. Such tactics deceived passengers seeking reliable transport, especially at the airport.

First phase delivers positive results

Completion of the initial stage occurred at the end of April. Data shows a clear reduction in illegal operations following the interventions. Local police plan to maintain vigilance and extend similar controls to safeguard fair competition in the transport sector.

This operation demonstrates commitment to regulatory compliance across the Malaga Province. Future phases will build on these outcomes to keep improvements in public transport standards. For those who are operating casual, or occasional airport runs from usually underserved urbanisations or village areas, now is probably the time to look into getting a legal licence. Obtention of the correct papers for this activity can usually be handled by “gestorias” that advertise “premises” (licences).

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