‘Master of Escapes’ arrested in Catalonia after breaking out of four European prisons

A notorious criminal known as the ‘Master of Escapes’ was arrested in Catalonia after breaking out of four European prisons, according to Spanish National Police. The wanted man, who has a history of prison breaks dating back over 15 years, was apprehended in the Campclar neighbourhood of Tarragona city during a police operation.

Two officers were injured during the violent confrontation, and a crowd gathered, confronting the police. The fugitive, described as 'very dangerous', had been on the run since December 2025 following his latest escape from a maximum-security prison in Italy. He had managed to cut through bars and lower himself from the building using bedsheets tied together, marking his fourth known escape from custody.

His history includes prison escapes in Italy and Belgium, including a notable attempt in 2013 where he reportedly used a human pyramid to scale the walls. The arrested individual was found to be using false identification documents and had counterfeit €500 notes among his possessions. He was remanded in custody without bail and is awaiting extradition to Italy for further proceedings.