Malmö murder investigation: Swedish police make arrest two weeks after two Britons found dead in burnt-out car

Swedish police have arrested two Britons after they were found dead in a burnt-out car in Malmö.

Both Juan Cifuentes, 33, and Farooq Abdulrazak, 37, were reported missing in July after they failed to return from a business trip to Scandinavia.

Their families appealed for information before the Metropolitan Police confirmed earlier this month that they had both been officially identified as the two people whose bodies were found in a car in an industrial area of ​​Malmö on Sunday, July 14.

The Swedish police said in a statement: ‘The prosecutor today arrested one person on suspicion of complicity in the murder of two British citizens who were found dead in a burnt-out car in Malmö on 14 July this year.

‘Interrogations will now take place, both of the suspect and of others.’

Farooq Abdulrazak (right) and Juan Cifuentes (left) were found dead in Malmö

Their families appealed for information before the Metropolitan Police confirmed earlier this month that both had been formally identified as the two people whose bodies were found

Both were captured on CCTV footage at a car rental counter at Copenhagen Airport, hours before they disappeared in July.

Magnus Pettersson, head of the pre-trial investigation, said prosecutors had until Sunday to decide whether or not to keep the suspect in custody.

Mr Abdulrazak’s family said earlier: ‘It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dearest son, warmest brother, loving husband, dear uncle and best friend, Farooq Abdulrazak.

“We are truly devastated, heartbroken in ways that words cannot describe. We have lost two beautiful innocent hardworking souls. Our loss has not only shattered our family and friends but has had a profound impact on our local community.

“Farooq is a beautiful, selfless, humble soul, someone who is always willing to help others. A huge pillar of strength in our family and community, he is our sunshine who spread his positivity and brightness wherever he went,” the family continued in their statement.

“He brought people of all ages together and will be greatly missed by all. Not a day went by that he did not help someone through an act of kindness, generous words, support for a cause or hospitality.

“He is a wonderful son, husband, brother, uncle and friend who provided security, comfort and love and always brought joy and light.”

Mr Abdulrazak had only just married before he left on a business trip in July, a friend told MailOnline.

According to Swedish police, the victims were shot while the Toyota Rav4 they were driving was set on fire in an industrial area of ​​the southern Swedish city.

Authorities said the victims were believed to have been shot before the car was set on fire.

Forensic teams on scene after the discovery of the burnt-out car last month

Farooq Abdulrazak was described as ‘a wonderful son, husband, brother, uncle and friend’

Mr. Cifuentes had only been married for a few months before the tragic discovery in Malmö

A truck is seen carrying the burnt-out car that was wrapped in a plastic sheet last month

According to the Swedish national newspaper Aftonbladet, the car had been rented at Copenhagen Airport, Denmark, before the driver and passenger crossed the border into Sweden and Malmö.

Mr Cifuentes’ family said: ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved father, son, brother and friend. Juan was a devout Muslim, a pillar of strength and compassion, always there for those in need, regardless of their faith.

His legacy lives on in his children, who embody the love and values ​​he instilled in them.

‘A brilliant footballer and hardworking man, he united people from all walks of life and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His memory will inspire us forever.

“We ask for your prayers and support, but also for space for his family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”

Both men lived in Finchley, North London and attended Finchley Mosque.

Juan has two daughters, aged three and eight, and Farooq got married only four months ago.

A friend of the two men told MailOnline last month: ‘The community that meets at the mosque is very close-knit and we are all shocked and saddened by this.

‘Juan and Farooq were highly respected, loving people who helped anyone who needed it.

“I am numb with grief right now, I don’t really know what else to say. Their loss is deeply felt.”

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