Interpol detains fugitive businessman Alejandro Hamlyn in Abu Dhabi

Interpol arrested Spanish businessman Alejandro Hamlyn in Abu Dhabi on Monday, ending his flight from Spanish justice since 2025. Hamlyn, president of the former oil company Hafesa, faces charges of massive VAT fraud and allegedly bribing a police officer. He is also linked to a controversial videoconference with Leire Díez, the so-called 'PSOE plumber', in which they sought compromising information about a senior Civil Guard officer Source: La Vanguardia.

The arrest

Hamlyn was detained under an extradition request from the Audiencia Nacional's Fourth Section after failing to appear in the trial where his company, Hafesa, was fined €152.4 million for tax crimes committed between 2016 and 2019 Source: ABC. El Mundo reports the fraud amount as €154 million, a slight discrepancy likely due to rounding Source: El Mundo. The extradition process to Spain could take several months Source: Milenio.

The Leire Díez connection

In February 2025, Hamlyn held a videoconference with Leire Díez, businessman Javier Pérez Dolset, and lawyer Jacobo Teijelo. During the call, Díez asked Hamlyn for information about Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Balas of the UCO, who led investigations into corruption cases involving the PSOE. Hamlyn offered to provide damaging information, reportedly saying, "Tengo una cosa, con una cosa que te dé [refiriéndose a Balas] está muerto" Source: El Mundo. In exchange, Díez allegedly offered him favorable treatment from the Prosecutor's Office Source: El Confidencial.

Other investigations

Hamlyn is also under investigation for allegedly paying over €4,000 per month to a National Police officer attached to the Audiencia Nacional for confidential information Source: Euronews. This case was separated and sent to courts in Madrid Source: La Vanguardia. Additionally, he faces charges related to drug trafficking Source: ABC.