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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Jacob Phillips

Arrest made after two Londoners found dead in burnt out car in Sweden

An arrest has been made after two London travel agents were found dead inside a burnt out car in Sweden.

Juan Cifuentes, 33, and Farooq Abdulrazak, 27, were reported missing by their families after they failed to return from a business trip to Scandinavia.

Their remains were identified by Swedish authorities a month after they were discovered on July 14.

Investigations continue in Sweden and the UK, according to Swedish prosecutors.

In a statement, they said: "The prosecutor has today arrested a person on probable cause suspected of aiding and abetting the murder of two British citizens who were found dead in a burnt-out car in Malmö on 14 July this year.

"There will now be interrogations, both with the suspect and others."

Juan Cifuentes, 33, and Farooq Abdulrazak, 37, failed to return home (Supplied)

Head of the preliminary investigation Magnus Pettersson told SkyNews prosecutors had until September 1 to decide whether the suspect should remain in custody.

Earlier this month the men’s families paid tribute to them on Wednesday as “two beautiful, innocent, hard-working souls”.

In a statement released through the Met Police, Mr Cifuentes’ family described him as “a beloved father, son, brother, and friend”.

“Juan was a devout Muslim, he was a pillar of strength and compassion, always present for those in need, regardless of their faith,” they said.

“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, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met. His memory will forever inspire us.”

Mr Abdulrazak is remembered as a “dearest son, heart-warming brother, loving husband, bestest uncle and dearest friend”.

Juan Cifuentes and Farooq Abdulrazak (Supplied)

“We are sincerely devastated, broken in many ways words cannot describe,” said his family.

“Our loss has not only shattered our family and friends but has also impacted our local community deeply.

“Farooq is a beautiful, selfless, humble soul, someone always willing to help others. A huge pillar in our family and community, he is our sunshine who spread his positivity and brightness wherever he went. He brought people of all ages together and will be sorely missed by everyone.

“There was never a day that goes by where he didn’t help someone through a kind act, generous words, support with a good cause or being hospitable. He is an amazing son, husband, brother, uncle and friend who provided security, comfort, and love, and always bought laughter and light upon everyone.”

The bodies, reported to have gunshot wounds, were found inside a car that is believed to have been hired by the two men.

They were discovered by firefighters who were scrambled to the scene of a blaze on a dirt road in the Fosie industrial estate, in the coastal city of Malmö.

An urgent social media appeal was posted shortly after the incident revealing Mr Cifuentes, 33, and Mr Abdulrazak, 27, both from Finchley, had gone missing.

It is believed the two men flew to Denmark and rented a car at Copenhagen Kastrup airport before driving across over the Oresund Bridge to Sweden where their burnt-out car was found.

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