Dutch-Moroccan drug lord reportedly released in Spain due to mix-up

Dutch-Moroccan drug lord Karim Bouyakhrichan, believed to be a key figure in the notorious «Mocro Maffia» criminal organization, has been released from prison in Spain due to a bureaucratic error, the BBC reported on Tuesday.

Arrested in January in Marbella, southern Spain, as part of a large-scale money-laundering investigation, Bouyakhrichan was initially slated for extradition to the Netherlands after a court in Madrid accepted a request by the Dutch authorities. However, a court in Malaga claimed he faces charges in Spain as well.

Following an appeal by Bouyakhrichan, a Malaga court ordered his release in February on a €50,000 bail bond with restrictions, including surrendering his passport and regular court appearances. He reportedly disappeared after his last court visit on April 1st.

Spanish Justice Minister commented on the news, calling it «worrying» and insisting authorities will «hand this person over to justice as soon as possible». Dutch officials acknowledged the confusion but stressed their cooperation with the Spanish justice system is «generally good».

Bouyakhrichan's network, according to Spanish police following his arrest, was involved in «large-scale international drug trafficking, primarily cocaine importation into Spain, alongside extensive money laundering activities». Their laundering scheme, estimated at €6 million, reportedly utilized «a robust personal, maritime, and commercial infrastructure» across multiple countries.