A Moroccan man banned from entering Gibraltar since 2019 has been arrested after being identified by police facial-recognition technology, while a second man has been detained over an allegedly fake British passport at Gibraltar Airport.

Details of both cases were reported by the Royal Gibraltar Police, with the arrests highlighting how Gibraltar’s police and border officers continue to enforce immigration rules following the removal of the old border fence.

The first man, a 40-year-old Moroccan national identified as M.B., was flagged by the Royal Gibraltar Police’s live facial-recognition system on Sunday, October 11, in the frontier area.

Officers from the force’s Response Team arrested him after the system identified him. He was charged with being in Gibraltar in breach of an entry ban, contrary to the territory’s Immigration, Asylum and Refugee Act.

Man was extradited to Spain in 2019

The man was already known to Gibraltar police. In October 2019, he was extradited to Spain under a European Arrest Warrant issued in connection with Operation Iceberg.

The joint investigation by the Royal Gibraltar Police and Spain’s National Police dismantled an organised criminal group involved in the illegal trafficking of migrants between Morocco, Gibraltar and Spain.

An entry ban was imposed on the man following his unlawful presence in Gibraltar. He appeared before the Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 13, and remains on remand at Windmill Hill Prison. He is due to return to court on Tuesday, October 20.

Pakistani man arrested over fake British passport

In a separate case, a 22-year-old Pakistani national was arrested at Gibraltar International Airport on Thursday morning, October 15.

The man, identified as M. A. H., allegedly presented a counterfeit British passport bearing his personal details to officers from the Gibraltar Borders and Coastguard Agency during departure immigration checks.

He was preparing to board a booked flight to the UK when officers detected irregularities on the document’s biometric-data page. Further checks confirmed that the passport was fake. He was taken to New Mole House police station, questioned and charged with possession of a forged or irregular passport, as well as being in Gibraltar without the required legal status.

After appearing before the Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 16, he remains in custody at Windmill Hill Prison until his next court appearance on October 23.

Security continues after the Verja’s removal

The two cases go to show that the removal of Gibraltar’s old frontier barrier has not ended immigration enforcement. The new UK-EU arrangements took effect on July 15, 2026, bringing the physical Verja to an end while leaving police and border officers responsible for identifying people suspected of breaking the law.

In one case, facial-recognition technology alerted police to a man subject to an entry ban. In the other, airport checks exposed an allegedly counterfeit passport. Both men have been charged and remain in custody pending further court proceedings.

A climber was rescued by firefighters after becoming stranded just 30 metres from the summit of Peñas Blancas in the Region of Murcia, when numbness in his hands left him unable to continue his ascent. The rescue took place after 9:00pm on Wednesday, October 14, when the man was climbing alongside a companion on the XL route, a popular climbing section of the rocky mountain near the Costa Calida municipality of Cartagena.

Stranded near the summit after hands went numb mid-climb

According to reports, the climber managed to reach a ledge where he could remain safely secured while his companion contacted the emergency services for help. Firefighters from Cartagena City Council leapt into action in response to the emergency, accessing the difficult-to-reach area via the Rambla de la Víbora. The rescue team then spent approximately an hour walking to the location, carrying the equipment needed to bring the stranded climber to safety.

Firefighters launch a difficult night-time rescue: Two men brought to safety

Given the challenging terrain and the darkness, rescuers first had to establish the man’s precise position before planning their approach. A drone was deployed to help locate him and allow the team to assess the situation. Firefighters subsequently set up a rescue operation using ropes and anchoring systems to reach the climber and guide him safely to the summit.

Once the first man had been brought to safety, the rescue team also helped his companion leave the area. Fortunately, neither of the two men suffered serious injuries during the incident. Both were reported to have climbing federation licences and were able to leave the area safely following the operation.

The challenges of climbing Cartagena’s Peñas Blancas

Peñas Blancas, which rises to 627 metres above sea level, is the highest peak in the municipality of Cartagena. Its white rock face overlooks the El Cañar gorge and lies close to the Mediterranean coast, between Isla Plana and La Azohía. Although the mountain is not particularly high, its steep rock faces and difficult access can make climbing challenging, especially when an emergency occurs after dark.

The incident, once again, emphasises the important role played by emergency first responder crews in Murcia, who are regularly called to assist people experiencing difficulties in the region’s mountainous and coastal landscapes.

An art exhibition, handmade jewellery, dancing and a visit from some very special four-legged guests helped raise more than €1,700 for two animal charities at a community event held at El Soto last Saturday, October 10.

Organised by artists and animal lovers Oksana Kocuriene, known as Roxanne, and Lesley Lawrence, the mini-event brought together local residents, creative talents and volunteers united by their love of animals. The event raised €881.25 for ACE|SHIN (Animal Care España|Spaanse Honden In Nood) and the same amount for Donkey Dreamland, bringing the combined total to €1,762.50. Volunteers also collected a further €189 through donations and sales of charity cards and calendars.

Helping abandoned and neglected animals

ACE|SHIN is an animal rescue organisation working in southern Spain to help dogs and cats that have been abandoned, neglected or mistreated. Founded in 1999, it provides shelter, food and veterinary treatment for animals in need, with the ultimate goal of finding them loving permanent homes.

The charity operates shelters in Mijas Costa and Algeciras, caring for hundreds of dogs and cats. Some arrive as strays, while others have been abandoned by their owners or rescued from situations where their lives were at risk. ACE|SHIN also promotes animal welfare, responsible care and sterilisation programmes to help prevent further suffering. Its work relies on donations, volunteers and supporters rather than Spanish government subsidies. More information about its rescue work and animals available for adoption can be found at www.ace-charity.org. Donkey Dreamland, the other beneficiary, provides care for donkeys and other animals in need.

Local artists put their talents to good use

Five artists contributed to the exhibition, with Roxanne and Lesley joined by Kelly Glithro, Anfisa Zinchenko and Margaritha Meus. Visitors could also browse handmade jewellery and macramé created by Gabriela Cervantes and Angelique Roelse-Vis, who donated some of their sales proceeds to the fundraising effort. Two students from Ireland, Ksenija and Anna, helped throughout the day by selling books and golf balls to raise money for the charities. Later in the afternoon, Marisa and Niko organised dance lessons, adding another activity to a programme designed to bring people together for a good cause.

Volunteers from ACE|SHIN and Donkey Dreamland ran a small market, giving visitors the chance to find out more about their work and support the animals in their care. The donkeys themselves were also present, providing a special attraction for guests.

Community spirit made the difference

Organisers thanked everyone who contributed, from the artists and stallholders to the volunteers and visitors who attended. For those involved, the money raised was about more than the final figures. It was also a reminder of what a community can achieve when people contribute their time, skills and enthusiasm to a shared cause. Their message was one of gratitude to everyone who helped make the day possible, with the hope that similar community efforts will continue to support animals in need.