Spanish police arrest 25 officers involved in extortion probe

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Gines Gimenez, the chief of Coslada’s police, after being arrested. Photo: EFE

Spanish police say they are pressing on with a corruption probe in which some 25 officers have reportedly been arrested.

Officials say local police officers were arrested in Coslada on suspicion of extorting money from bar owners, immigrants and prostitutes. Coslada is just outside Madrid.

A police official says the detained officers, including the town's police chief, are expected to go before a judge Friday.

The official is not saying how many were arrested but newspapers are putting the number at 25.

The official spoke Friday on condition of anonymity, in line with department regulations.

Coslada residents shouted insults at the detainees as they were being taken away Thursday. Protesters told media the extortion racket was common knowledge.