What is a missing person?
We generally consider a person to be missing when their whereabouts are unknown, regardless of the reason.
However, sometimes a distinction is made between a lost person and a disappeared person, considering that the former could not be located due to various reasons, force majeure circumstances (lost in the mountains) or life circumstances ( family members lost due to change of address); on the other hand, the second would be associated with a “forced” or involuntary disappearance, such as the case of a kidnapping.
Cases of missing persons in Spain
Spain is an ideal country to live in due to its climate, its gastronomy and its culture. For this reason, it is sometimes the destination country chosen by those who reside in other countries and want to start a new life with discretion. In this sense, the following cases of missing persons usually occur in Spain:
– Inheritances or genealogical trees. These are cases in which it is intended to locate a person, either to confirm whether he or she belongs to the legitimate heirs of the distribution of an inheritance, or to establish the complete family genealogical tree. This type of case can cover both if it is a relative who a few years ago decided to change their country of residence, or if it is the heirs of a former relative who moved to Spain several generations ago.
– Disappearances. People wanted by family members (partner, children, siblings, friends …) who, overnight, have disappeared from their family circle. Sometimes they are usually people who have decided to start a new life by breaking all ties with the previous one, as well as cases of adolescents who decide to live an adventure in another country or people with mental disorders who move away from their family circle because they are not in full power. It can also be a kidnapping, in which case the competent authorities are notified.
How are missing persons located in Spain?
The procedure for locating missing persons always follows a similar pattern.
First of all, the relatives or people legitimately interested in knowing the location of the disappeared person contact via email or telephone, providing all possible information, which is treated in a totally confidential manner. This initial collection of information usually includes the city or area in which the missing person is suspected to be living, as well as the social environments through which they usually move.
The second phase consists of field work, which involves tracking down all those places where it is suspected that the missing person may frequent. This task includes interviews with people who might know the stranger, as well as notices left in strategic places where he could appear. This management is carried out with total diligence and discretion, informing the client of any relevant news.
Finally, it is expected that the result of the field investigation will allow the case to be solved, either by locating the missing person or by obtaining new clues that will help in their final location.
