Swedish police have made an arrest after two Britons were found dead in a burnt-out car in Malmö.
Both Juan Cifuentes, 33, and Farooq Abdulrazak, 37, were reported missing in July after failing to return home from a business trip to Scandinavia.
Their families appealed for information before the Metropolitan Police confirmed earlier this month that the pair had been formally identified as the two people whose bodies were found in a car in an industrial area of Malmö on Sunday 14 July.
Now, in a statement, Swedish police said: ‘The public prosecutor has today arrested one person on probable cause on suspicion 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.
Now there will be interrogations, both of the suspect and of other people.
Farooq Abdulrazak (right) and Juan Cifuentes (left) were found dead in Malmö
![Malmö murder investigation: Swedish police make arrest weeks after two Britons were found dead in burnt-out car 7 Their families issued an appeal for information before the Metropolitan Police confirmed earlier this month that they had been formally identified as the two people whose bodies were found.](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/Malmo-murder-investigation-Swedish-police-make-arrest-weeks-after-two.jpeg.webp)
Their families issued an appeal for information before the Metropolitan Police confirmed earlier this month that they had been formally identified as the two people whose bodies were found.
![Malmö murder investigation: Swedish police make arrest weeks after two Britons were found dead in burnt-out car 9 The pair were caught on CCTV footage at a car rental counter at Copenhagen Airport hours before they disappeared in July.](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724971054_506_Malmo-murder-investigation-Swedish-police-make-arrest-weeks-after-two.jpeg.webp)
The pair were caught on CCTV footage at a car rental counter at Copenhagen Airport hours before they disappeared in July.
Magnus Pettersson, who is leading the preliminary investigation, said prosecutors had until Sunday to decide whether the suspect should remain in custody or not.
Mr Abdulrazak’s family said earlier: ‘It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing away of our beloved son, beloved brother, loving husband, best uncle and dear friend, Farooq Abdulrazak.
‘We are truly devastated, shattered in so many ways that words cannot describe. We have lost two beautiful, innocent, hard-working souls. Our loss has not only devastated our family and friends, but has also deeply affected our local community.
“Farooq is a beautiful, selfless and humble soul, someone who is always willing to help others. He is a great pillar in our family and community, he is our sunshine who spreads his positivity and brightness wherever he goes,” the family continued in their statement.
‘He brought people of all ages together and we will all miss him dearly. Not a day went by when he didn’t help someone with an act of kindness, generous words, support for a good cause or being hospitable.
‘He is an amazing son, husband, brother, uncle and friend who provided security, comfort and love, and always brought laughter and light to everyone.’
Mr Abdulrazak had recently married before the business trip in July, a friend told MailOnline.
Swedish police said the victims were shot and the Toyota Rav4 they were travelling in was set on fire in an industrial area of the city in southern Sweden.
Authorities said they believed the victims had been shot before the car was set on fire.
![Malmö murder investigation: Swedish police make arrest weeks after two Britons were found dead in burnt-out car 11 Forensic teams on scene after discovery of burnt-out car last month](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724971054_215_Malmo-murder-investigation-Swedish-police-make-arrest-weeks-after-two.jpeg.webp)
Forensic teams on scene after discovery of burnt-out car last month
![Malmö murder investigation: Swedish police make arrest weeks after two Britons were found dead in burnt-out car 13 Farooq Abdulrazak was described as](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724971055_678_Malmo-murder-investigation-Swedish-police-make-arrest-weeks-after-two.jpeg.webp)
Farooq Abdulrazak was described as “an amazing son, husband, brother, uncle and friend.”
![Malmö murder investigation: Swedish police make arrest weeks after two Britons were found dead in burnt-out car 15 Mr Cifuentes had married only a few months before the tragic discovery in Malmö.](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724971055_507_Malmo-murder-investigation-Swedish-police-make-arrest-weeks-after-two.jpeg.webp)
Mr Cifuentes had married only a few months before the tragic discovery in Malmö.
![Malmö murder investigation: Swedish police make arrest weeks after two Britons were found dead in burnt-out car 17 A truck is seen transporting the burnt-out car wrapped in plastic sheeting last month.](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/08/1724971056_484_Malmo-murder-investigation-Swedish-police-make-arrest-weeks-after-two.jpeg.webp)
A truck is seen transporting the burnt-out car wrapped in plastic sheeting last month.
According to Swedish national newspaper Aftonbladet, the car had been rented at Copenhagen Airport in 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.
‘He was a brilliant footballer and a very hard-working man. He brought people together from all walks of life and left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His memory will inspire us forever.
‘We ask for your prayers and support, but also for space for his family in 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 just 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 very respected and caring people who helped anyone in need.
“I am stunned with grief right now, I don’t know what else to say. We are deeply sorry for your loss.”