Interpol arrests Alex Hamlyn, the Basque businessman who guards the state's oil reserves, for bribing police officers

Interpol has arrested Alejandro Hamlyn, a Basque businessman and owner of the company Haxx (formerly Hafesa), in Abu Dhabi. Hamlyn, who has been a fugitive from Spanish justice since 2025, is responsible for managing state oil reserves at storage facilities in Gijón. The arrest was reportedly prompted by allegations of bribery involving police officers.

Beyond the bribery charges, Hamlyn’s case has drawn political attention due to his reported interactions with former socialist militant Leire Díez. Records indicate the two held a videoconference in February 2025, during which Díez allegedly made requests of the businessman. Hamlyn had been residing in the United Arab Emirates prior to his apprehension by international authorities.