The marble tomb of a notorious truck hijacker is set to become one of
the most famous attractions in the Spanish province of Granada, because
of two bronze eccentricities – a life-size statue of the man buried
there, and a realistic replica of an Audi Q5, the car he used to carry
out his hijackings in.
Antonio “El Tonto” (The Fool), also known as “The Pirate of Trucks”,
was one of the most successful criminals in the history of Granada,
having racked over 60 arrests over his fruitful career. He was mostly
known for hijacking trucks and getting away with millions in
merchandise, including perfumes and computers, but he had also pioneered
legal marijuana trade in the Spanish province, as well as opened a
supermarket to sell whatever he stole in. El Tonto died last year, at
the age of 46, soon after being arrested for allegedly stealing seven
trucks, but he remains in the memories of the people of his home town,
Pinos Puente, as well as through some pretty unique tomb decorations.
The burial place of Antonio El Tonto first made news headlines in
Spain last year, when a life-size bronze statue of the known truck
hijacker was installed there. It depicts the highway pirate sitting on
marble steps, but what really drew people’s attention was the attention
to detail in terms of clothing and accessories. The bronze El Tonto
wears a an expensive Monclaire jacket and sneakers made by the same
company, sports a 42,000-euro Rolex Yacht-Master watch on his left
wrist, and a Versace bracelet plus several gold rings on his right one.
On the step, next to the statue, lie a bronze replica of a Gucci
handbag, two smartphones, and a pack of Marlboro cigarettes.
Recently, the tomb of El Tonto (the less than flattering nickname is
engraved in marble) once again drew Spanish media attention, as a
missing accessory was recently installed. Now, next to the truck
pirate’s bronze statue sits a life-size bronze Audi Q5, which is
reportedly the car he used to hijack trucks in. Initially, his family
opted for a Ferrari California, Antonio’s favorite ride, but in the end
they decided on the Q5.
Despite his fruitful criminal career, Antonio El Tonto was a beloved
character in Pinos Puente, a town of just over 10,000 inhabitants, as
evidenced by the fresh flowers that people constantly leave at his
grave. Known in life for his daring truck hijacking, El Tonto is now
making headlines for his flamboyant tomb.
