In a bizarre attempt to fund their holiday, two British tourists were arrested in Benidorm for allegedly faking a kidnapping. The tourists are reported to have sent a relative a video depicting one of them threatening the other with a knife, while pretending to be holding him captive. This alarming act prompted police in Costa Blanca to take swift action, requiring the suspension of other investigations and the deployment of a significant police response, including an anti-hostage unit.

The operation was prompted by Interpol's involvement after UK authorities alerted their Spanish counterparts about the situation. Police had prepared to conduct a raid on the hotel believed to be the location of the supposed kidnapping, but the operation was ultimately called off when police observed the alleged victim leaving the hotel unharmed with the supposed kidnapper. This incident raises serious questions about the lengths to which some tourists may go in order to finance their vacations, while also highlighting the potential strain such actions can place on law enforcement resources.

The implications of this incident are far-reaching, particularly in relation to the perception of British tourists abroad and the responsibilities of law enforcement during such hoaxes. As Benidorm continues to be a popular destination for UK visitors, incidents like this could lead to increased scrutiny and potential negative impacts on tourism, as well as drawing attention to the challenges law enforcement faces in managing genuine crises due to reckless behavior by individuals seeking quick cash.