Notorious 'Güímar Gang' Member Arrested Again in Tenerife
The Civil Guard in Tenerife has arrested notorious repeat offender Antonio Miguel L.P., known as "El Pardela," marking the latest development in the long-standing criminal history of the Güímar gang.
The issue of repeat offenders in the Canary Islands is back in the headlines following a recent arrest by the Civil Guard in Tenerife. According to the newspaper El Día, Antonio Miguel L.P.—known to police as "El Pardela"—is back in custody, temporarily halting a criminal career that has lasted decades.
The arrest took place last week in Güímar. While the investigation is currently under a court-ordered seal, preventing the release of specific charges, the 60-year-old suspect has a long history of property crimes, including burglary, violent acts, and vehicle theft.
His case highlights the persistence of criminal groups that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Like many others from his generation in Güímar’s social housing neighborhoods, he grew up amid drug use and economic hardship. For many in that environment, being a minor provided a legal shield that allowed them to turn theft into a way of life.
"El Pardela" is a prominent member of the so-called "Güímar Gang," a group long monitored by police for their specific methods. His history includes dangerous incidents, such as a 2010 police chase in La Laguna where he brandished a blade at officers after crashing a stolen car. Notably, despite his reputation as a skilled driver, he has never held a valid driver’s license.
This cycle of repeated arrests and prison time raises difficult questions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation. The lifestyle has proven deadly for others in his circle; for example, another historical member known as "El Benino" died in a traffic accident. These cases underscore the high risks associated with this path, which continues to place a constant strain on local law enforcement.