A British man was shot dead on the Costa Blanca, marking a troubling escalation in violent crime in the popular tourist region. The victim, a 29-year-old, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds at a residential property just north of Torrevieja on January 21, 2025. Police acted on a tip-off from friends concerned for his safety, leading to the grim discovery.
Authorities suspect the murder is linked to drug-related activities. As of now, no arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing. This incident comes less than three weeks after another British citizen was shot multiple times in an underground car park nearby, raising concerns about a potential crime wave affecting expatriates in the area.
Violence Linked to Criminal Networks
Civil Guard detectives are looking into whether this latest shooting is connected to other recent violent incidents involving British and Irish nationals. On December 11, 2024, a failed assassination attempt in the Orihuela Costa saw a 32-year-old British man targeted, with approximately 15 bullets fired at his vehicle. The victim, who had recently been released on bail, was previously connected to an armed robbery at a cannabis club and had a history of violent encounters.
In another serious incident, an Irishman was critically injured after being shot in the head near the La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre. This shooting led to two arrests on suspicion of attempted murder. Crime statistics indicate a worrying trend, as Alicante province’s crime rate increased by 4.7% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year, with Torrevieja recording the highest crime ratio at five crimes per 100 residents.
Broader Crime Trends in the Region
The spike in violence is troubling for local communities and highlights broader issues of drug trafficking and organized crime in the area. Just last week, five individuals were arrested in a significant drug bust in Alicante, where law enforcement dismantled a network believed to be distributing cocaine and ecstasy across the region. Police operations uncovered 4.5 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of ecstasy pills, and €14,000 in cash, illustrating the scale of the problem.
In addition to drug-related violence, other crimes have seen increases. Reports indicate that while overall crime rates in Catalonia decreased by 4.5% in the first half of 2025, there was an alarming rise in rapes, which surged by 22% compared to the previous year. The contrast in crime trends across Spain presents a complex picture, with certain areas experiencing significant challenges, particularly concerning violent crime.
The ongoing violence raises urgent questions about safety for residents and tourists alike in the Costa Blanca. As investigations continue, local authorities remain focused on addressing the root causes of crime in the region, hoping to restore a sense of security for all.
