A Swedish fugitive known as the “Cocaine Queen of Europe”, Tania Gomez, has been arrested in Lanzarote, Spain, after four years on the run. The 33-year-old, who once ran the HundGärin dog rescue charity in Stockholm, is accused of drug trafficking and money laundering.
Drug Smuggling & Criminal Network
Gomez allegedly smuggled cannabis and cocaine into Sweden, with authorities linking her to a 10-kilogram cocaine deal in Stockholm in May 2020. Swedish prosecutors believe her charity was a front for illegal animal transport and drug-related crimes.
She was placed on Europol’s 50 Most Wanted list in 2023.
Money Laundering Operation
Gomez is accused of laundering millions of kronor through the World Exchange currency exchange office, which functioned as a bank for organized crime. The 2020 police raid on World Exchange uncovered:
15 million kronor (£1.1M) in hidden cash
220 million kronor (£16M) laundered in 18 months
Links to criminal networks in Germany, Serbia, Turkey, and Spain
Gomez allegedly handled 1.8 million kronor (£133,000) for drug deals and moved over four million kronor through the exchange.
Arrest & Extradition
On February 7, 2024, Spanish police tracked Gomez to her home in Tías, Lanzarote. She is currently in custody, awaiting extradition to Sweden, where she faces up to 14 years in prison.
Authorities continue investigating her alleged criminal ties, including whether her charity played a role in international organized crime.
