Police arrested an Irish mother on suspicion of fraud at Gran Canaria airport after her family allegedly accrued a bill of approximately £2,000 during an all-inclusive holiday and then attempted to leave without paying. The woman protested that there had been issues with the bank card she used to book the 11-night stay.
Officers apprehended the woman, who was traveling with her partner and child, after the hotel management reported that the family had departed the premises without settling their bill. The reservation had been made via the hotel's website, with a bank card provided as a guarantee. However, when the hotel attempted to process the payment after the family's departure, the transaction failed.
Hotel staff reportedly made multiple attempts to contact the woman to resolve the outstanding amount. While she initially indicated an intention to pay, citing difficulties accessing her bank card as she was already at the airport, she subsequently ceased communication without settling the debt. The hotel’s reported bill amount was £2,113.
National Police officers initiated a search upon learning of the incident and located the woman at the Border Control Post at Gran Canaria Airport as she was preparing to leave the island. She was arrested and taken to a police station on the island’s southern coast before being handed over to judicial authorities. The police force emphasized its commitment to protecting the Canary Islands' tourism sector.