A notorious fugitive, once dubbed Europe’s “cocaine queen,” has been caught after evading authorities for almost four years.
Tania Gomez, 32, who fled Sweden in 2021, was apprehended in Lanzarote last week, marking the end of her time as one of Europe’s most sought-after criminals.
Connections to Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking
Gomez’s name became infamous after her suspected involvement in a vast network of drug and animal trafficking.
Authorities believe she played a key role in an organized crime group based in Stockholm, handling the delivery and transportation of large quantities of narcotics and money.
Prior to her criminal activities coming to light, Gomez had a much different public persona as an Instagram influencer and the owner of HundGärin, a dog rescue charity she ran in Sweden.
However, Europol soon connected Gomez to illegal animal ownership and trafficking rings, with the charity operating under suspicious circumstances.
Authorities allege that she was linked to one of these networks, which was exposed during a police raid on Stockholm’s city center in 2020.
During the operation, Swedish officers discovered approximately one million euros in cash hidden in bags, and Gomez became a prime suspect in the laundering of millions of euros through these illicit networks.
A High-Ranking Figure in a Criminal Network
Investigators revealed that Gomez held a significant position within the gang, uncovering documents that suggested she was actively involved in orchestrating criminal operations.
One such operation allegedly involved the storage and distribution of ten kilos of cocaine, which was received by Gomez in Stockholm in May 2020.
This discovery pushed Swedish authorities to pursue her capture, culminating in the arrest after a long manhunt.
The Breakthrough in Lanzarote
Following the 2020 raid and her subsequent flight to Spain, Gomez had been on the run, likely hiding in the Canary Islands where her father resides.
In a joint operation between Spanish and Swedish police, Gomez was tracked down to Tias, a town on Lanzarote.
The breakthrough in the case came after several tip-offs were received by the authorities, leading them to her location.
Spanish police released footage of the arrest, showing Gomez being taken into custody by officers and transported to a police station.
She is now facing extradition proceedings to Sweden, where she will stand trial for her involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering.
What Happens Next?
The legal process ahead for Gomez remains uncertain.
Swedish authorities are seeking a 14-year prison sentence if she is convicted of the charges, but it’s unclear when her trial will take place.
Prosecutors in Sweden have submitted an extradition request to Spain, and the process could take weeks or even months to resolve.
Meanwhile, ten of Gomez’s alleged former accomplices have already been tried in Sweden and handed long prison sentences.
For now, authorities continue to push forward with the legal proceedings, while Gomez faces the consequences of her criminal activities.