UPDATE: A 29-year-old British man was shot dead in Campoamor, Costa Blanca, on December 21, 2025, prompting an urgent investigation into possible gangland connections. Local authorities have confirmed that the victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds, raising alarms within the expatriate community over organized crime in the region.
Emergency services were alerted by the victim’s friends after they discovered him injured. Local police quickly secured the scene before transferring the case to the Alicante Homicide Unit, which is now leading the murder inquiry. A secrecy order has been imposed, limiting public information to protect the integrity of the investigation.
As of now, no suspects have been detained, but investigators are exploring links to a separate shooting involving another British national earlier this month. That victim, aged 32, survived after being shot multiple times, raising troubling questions about potential gang involvement. Authorities emphasize that while the similarities in nationality and timing are concerning, no definitive links to organized crime have been confirmed.
“We urge caution as we continue our forensic and intelligence work,”
stated a police spokesperson, reflecting the ongoing nature of the investigation. The incident has intensified fears among the large British expatriate population in Alicante province, a region known for its tourism and previously perceived safety.
The Costa Blanca area has been rocked by violent incidents recently, including the high-profile murders of Eddie Lyons Jr and Ross Monaghan earlier in the year in Fuengirola, which sent shockwaves through both the UK and Spain. In that case, a masked gunman opened fire outside a bar, and police urged the public not to speculate on connections to criminal activities in Scotland.
Local officials have attempted to reassure residents, stating that such violent incidents remain rare compared to the overall security in Costa Blanca. However, the recent murder has raised concerns that organized crime, once believed to be confined to specific circles, may be spilling into residential areas.
Legal experts note that secrecy orders are common in Spain when there is a risk that suspects might flee or destroy evidence. The Civil Guard confirmed this measure is essential to protect ongoing lines of inquiry, particularly given the international reach of organized crime networks operating along Spain’s coast.
As the investigation develops, detectives are analyzing forensic evidence, phone data, and any potential connections to other violent incidents. While a gangland motive is one line of inquiry, police stress that no conclusions can be drawn until further evidence emerges.
The killing serves as a stark reminder that even in popular tourist destinations, darker undercurrents may exist. As the community awaits updates, the fear of escalating violence remains palpable among residents and expatriates alike. Authorities continue to work diligently to ensure justice is served, but the path forward may take time as investigations unfold.
