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Man arrested in Benidorm after allegedly fleeing venues 'without paying 1,300 bills'

A 50-year-old Icelandic tourist was arrested in Benidorm on suspicion of fraud after he allegedly spent 10 days in the Spanish city eating and staying at multiple venues without paying bills totalling around 1,300

[Benidorm, Spain, June 3, 2025: people walking down embankment, tourists stroll promenade with palm trees, hotel buildings in Old town Benidorm city historic centre on Costa Blanca coast in summer day]

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Police arrested a man in Benidorm on suspicion of fraud (stock)(Image: Aliaksandr Antanovich via Getty Images)

A tourist was nabbed in Benidorm after allegedly dodging hotel bills totalling 1,300 during a 10-day spending spree across the popular Spanish resort.

Local police claim the man repeatedly walked away without settling his tab after eating and staying at a number of hospitality venues throughout the period, reportedly racking up a bill of around 1,500 (1,285).

The 50-year-old Icelandic national was taken into custody in Benidorm on suspicion of fraud. It remains unclear exactly how many different establishments the suspect is alleged to have targeted.

However, a police spokesperson told Spanish news agency EFE that officers had been called to deal with the man at multiple venues before they were finally able to make an arrest.

Announcing the detention on Instagram, the Local Police Service couldn't resist a tongue-in-cheek dig at the alleged fraudster, suggesting that if this was his idea of a holiday, he was in for a very different kind of stay, reports Chronicle Live.

[An individual dressed in a dark-colored law enforcement uniform, prominently displaying the word "POLICE" on the back, stands with their hands positioned in a manner consistent with a casual stance. The setting appears to be an official or formal environment, as indicated by the presence of a blue barrier in the background.]

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Local police posted about the arrest on social media(Image: policiallocalbenidorm/Instagram)

They said: "He was travelling light both in terms of luggage and his wallet. A 50-year-old man, in Benidorm for 10 days, eating and sleeping without paying at venues around the city.

"But the Benidorm police turned up, and we've handed him the bill: arrested for an 'alleged' offence of fraud. If this is your idea of a holiday in Benidorm, we're pleased to announce a special package with accommodation included."

[A bustling urban street teeming with a diverse crowd of individuals. Buildings adorned with commercial signage flank the road, while a mix of outdoor seating arrangements and pedestrian pathways indicate a vibrant city center. The scene captures the essence of a lively, active urban environment.]

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Benidorm residents have warned people about potential scams (stock)(Image: Getty)

Meanwhile, Benidorm, much like countless other major tourist destinations, remains a target for scammers, with long-term residents offering handy tips to help visitors avoid being caught out. One woman, who has called Benidorm home for 42 years, has recently issued a warning about a new scam specifically targeting women.

Michelle Baker, who previously ran a newspaper in the area catering to local Britons, now keeps people informed by sharing advice and updates through a Facebook page.

While emphasising that the city remains safe, she highlighted a new scam targeting women in a recent video.

She said: "Statistically Benidorm is a very safe resort, however, like any busy city there are opportunists waiting to rob you.

"This is a new one and targets women mostly. A couple asks you to take a photo... they're all smiles and overly friendly... then they ask you to get into their selfie."

She explained this is the moment when people should refuse, before adding: "Once up close they'll deftly grab your goodies, purse, phone, watch and jewellery and you won't feel a thing."

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