Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has rejected Spanish media reports alleging that seven individuals arrested in the town of Estepona in connection with a “torture chamber” case are Georgian citizens, calling the claim inaccurate. The ministry told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) that the detainees are not ethnic Georgians either.
According to Spanish media reports, on September 5, police uncovered a so-called “torture chamber” inside a residential house during a special operation in Estepona. Spanish outlets reported that the suspects taken into custody were Georgian nationals.
The information was originally published by one of Spain’s largest and most influential digital outlets, EL ESPAÑOL.
Over the past two days, several Spanish news organizations have reported on the seven individuals detained in Estepona who, according to journalists, had allegedly set up a “torture chamber” in a private residence.
Citing investigative sources, Spanish reporters reported that law enforcement officers responding to the scene freed two injured male victims and apprehended seven suspects.
According to EL ESPAÑOL, inside the house, officers discovered a room whose walls and floor had been covered in plastic sheeting.
Citing sources close to the investigation, the online outlet reported that the suspects used the plastic lining to prevent blood from splattering onto the floor and walls during torture, thereby depriving forensic specialists of the ability to detect biological evidence.
According to the report, police seized pliers, hammers, and other tools in the room that investigators believe may have been used to torture the victims.
EL ESPAÑOL reported that on September 5, the partner of one of the victims contacted police. The man, a Moroccan citizen, had warned her earlier that he was heading to what was presumed to be a business meeting and instructed her to call the police if he failed to get in touch within roughly 20 minutes.
Citing a source, the outlet reported that after receiving the emergency call, officers arrived at the address, discovered an injured man in the yard, requested backup, and forced their way inside the residence.
“Inside the plastic-wrapped room, they found a second man—a Spanish citizen—tied to a chair, covered in blood, and bearing marks of physical violence,” the publication noted.
Spanish media also reported that during the search of the premises, police seized firearms, including two AK-47-pattern assault rifles and handguns.
According to Spanish outlets, those arrested for the brutal crime were Georgian citizens and alleged members of an Eastern European organized crime group.
Spanish journalists report that all seven suspects have been remanded in custody. Citing investigative sources, they state that the detainees are facing potential charges including membership in an organized criminal enterprise, torture, kidnapping, and attempted murder.
According to the same reports, law enforcement authorities are continuing their search for other potential members of the criminal network and have not ruled out involving Interpol in the investigation.