THE moment one of Europe’s most wanted criminals was arrested has been released by the Guardia Civil.

Paul Monk, 54, was ordered to the ground by civil guard officers at his four-bedroom luxury villa in Alicante.

Monk was arrested last week as he directed workmen laying marble tiles around his swimming pool.

Originally from Romford, Monk is wanted by the National Crime Agency in the UK in relation to drug trafficking in London and Essex.

However before he is deported, Spanish authorities will question him in connection to the murder of fellow Brit Francis Brennan.

Brennan’s tortured body washed up on the Costa Blanca in April 2014 and authorities believe Monk assisted Liverpool drug lord Paul Scott in carrying out the plot.

An imitation firearm, a silencer and €125,000 were recovered from his property.

Monk had been named on Crimestoppers’ Operation Captura list of wanted fugitives thought to be in hiding in Spain last month.

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