The taxi mafia was destroyed and it monopolized services to the airport in Seville. A dozen or so arrested

Spanish officers arrested several members of the “taxi mafia”, which for years had been monopolizing services to and from the San Pablo airport in Seville. Among those detained is the president of Asociación Hispalense Solidaridad del Taxi, an association of about 150 local taxi drivers. The police also arrested the remaining members of its management board, reports “Diario de Sevilla”.

According to the newspaper's findings, those arrested are accused of participating in a criminal organization, threats, extortion and destruction of property. The investigation into this case has been ongoing since mid-2024. In total, the police are investigating the activities of up to 35 people. Not all suspects have been arrested, but officers do not rule out further detentions, local media indicate.

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Members of the “taxi mafia” allegedly used threats and violence against people trying to operate services from the airport without their consent. For this purpose, they were to commit, among others: puncturing tires, throwing eggs or stones at the bodywork, or even pouring acid on it. There was also direct physical violence against those opposed, reports the Spanish daily ABC.

The activities of the Seville “taxi mafia” had been going on for a long time. A few years ago, proceedings were even initiated against its members, but they were later discontinued. Meanwhile, there was a shortage of taxi drivers around the airport. Due to the group's activities, their number has remained unchanged for nearly 20 years, although the number of visitors to the city has increased by over 5 million annually at the same time – estimates “Diario de Sevilla”.

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