50 kilos cannabis haul in Orihuela: "Civil Guard are investigating a recent haul of 50 kilos of cannabis resin which was seized by police after three stolen vehicles were recovered from an urbanisation in Orihuela Costa last Friday night. Europa Press reports that officers made the find during a call-out to a report of suspicious persons on La Zenia Urbanisation, locating the 3 vehicles in a nearby car park.
Two of the cars had been stolen in Orihuela itself, while the third was reported missing in Almería in 2006. Four youths were questioned at the scene, but it’s understood were found to have no connection with the stolen vehicles.
A suspicious package found in the boot of one of the vehicles and, on inspection, was found to contain the 50 kilos of cannabis."
Monday, 22 November 2010
Fernando del Valle now faces 17 years in the money laundering case
Prosecutor ups sentence requested for Ballena Blanca Blanca suspect: "Fernando del Valle now faces 17 years in the money laundering case
The Anti-Corruption prosecutor has upped the sentence requested for the main accused in the Ballena Blanca money laundering case which is currently being heard in Málaga, and has asked that Fernando del Valle spend 17 years in prison.
El Mundo reports that the additional two years relate to three of the more than 150 crimes with which del Valle is charged, specifically three fiscal crimes against the Hacienda Tax Authority. The other charges against the Marbella-based Chilean lawyer include 13 counts of money laundering, and 141 counts of falsifying documents.
Del Valle is one of 19 suspects charged in the case and, in addition to the prison term, faces fines of more than 36 million €. It’s triple the amount which is believed to have been laundered through the network of companies which were allegedly set up through his Marbella office."
Connery in land fraud - Hindustan Times
Connery in land fraud - Hindustan Times: "Former James Bond Sean Connery has been asked to pay a 51-million-pound bond or face an investigation into a land deal. A judge has ordered the legendary actor, 80, his wife, 81 and 18 others involved in an alleged fraud case to find the money within 10 days or risk a probe by cops and tax officials. The judge also warned property belonging to the star could be seized if he fails to deposit the cash, reports the Sun.
Connery faces questioning over the sale of his former home in Marbella in 1999 for 5.5 million pounds. There was planning permission to build five homes there, but 72 flats went up — netting a 45-million-pound profit. Spanish tax officials say Connery, who denies any wrongdoing, is linked to the development firm and that they are owed 2.3 million pounds."
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Tentacles of Mexican Drug Mobs Extend to Spain,
Latin American Herald Tribune - Reporter: Tentacles of Mexican Drug Mobs Extend to Spain, Italy: "Mexico’s powerful drug cartels have already established footholds in European countries such as Spain and Italy, respected Mexican journalist Luz Sosa said.
Sosa was in Spain’s second city to receive the 6th Vazquez Montalban Cultural and Political Journalism Prize for her work as a crime reporter for a newspaper in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico’s murder capital.
Organized crime groups have capitalized on the government’s “ineffectiveness” and the international support they have received to grow their operations and extend their reach beyond Mexico, she said in an interview with Efe."
Sosa was in Spain’s second city to receive the 6th Vazquez Montalban Cultural and Political Journalism Prize for her work as a crime reporter for a newspaper in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico’s murder capital.
Organized crime groups have capitalized on the government’s “ineffectiveness” and the international support they have received to grow their operations and extend their reach beyond Mexico, she said in an interview with Efe."
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Costa del Sol's most wanted 'drug dealer' Stephen Pitman faces justice in Britain - Capitalbay News
Costa del Sol's most wanted 'drug dealer' Stephen Pitman faces justice in Britain - Capitalbay News: "One of Britain’s most wanted men has been arrested on Spain's Costa del Sol.
Suspected drug dealer Stephen Pitman was held by local police in Malaga.
Pitman, of Chislehurst, south-east London, was among a list of ten fugitives thought to be on the run in the region, often dubbed the ‘Costa del Crime’."
Suspected drug dealer Stephen Pitman was held by local police in Malaga.
Pitman, of Chislehurst, south-east London, was among a list of ten fugitives thought to be on the run in the region, often dubbed the ‘Costa del Crime’."
Is sunny Spain becoming the vice capital of Europe,Costa del Crime – Expat - My Telegraph
Costa del Crime – Expat - My Telegraph: "Is sunny Spain becoming the vice capital of Europe? According to some disillusioned expat friends here in Majorca it is, and spreading its virus to our paradise isle. They’ve got a point. In the last year the Spanish press has been busily churning out stories about crimes ranging from drug, human trafficking and prostitution rings to money laundering and political and local council corruption. And let’s not even start on expat criminals who hang out on the infamous Costa del Sol or “Costa del Crime” as it has oh-so wittily been renamed."
900 demolition orders from going ahead,Move from Marbella Town Hall to stop demolition orders going ahead
Move from Marbella Town Hall to stop demolition orders going ahead: "Town Hall in Marbella has announced a legal move to try and prevent 900 demolition orders from going ahead.
Final judgements which have been issued by the courts declare the building licences for each of the properties to be null and void, but a legal report which has been drawn up for the Town Hall argues that it would be legally impossible to carry out the rulings as the properties concerned will be covered by the town’s new local development plan, the PGOU. The plan makes provision for more than 18,000 illegal properties within the municipality to now be considered as legally built."
Final judgements which have been issued by the courts declare the building licences for each of the properties to be null and void, but a legal report which has been drawn up for the Town Hall argues that it would be legally impossible to carry out the rulings as the properties concerned will be covered by the town’s new local development plan, the PGOU. The plan makes provision for more than 18,000 illegal properties within the municipality to now be considered as legally built."
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
British man arrested for organisting illegal trips in Nerja
British man arrested for organisting illegal trips in Nerja: "The man used foreign registered bikes to illegally take groups into the Sierra Tejeda Nature Park
SEPRONA, the Environmental wing of the Guardia Civil, has impounded 13 motorbikes and arrested a British man who was organising excursions in the Sierra Tejeda Nature Park near Nerja, without being legally constituted to do so, and without paying any tax.
Málaga Hoy reports that most of his clients were other Britons who reserved over the internet for a package of a few days rest in the sierra which included motorbike excursions in the Nature Park at a price of between 400 and 500 €."
SEPRONA, the Environmental wing of the Guardia Civil, has impounded 13 motorbikes and arrested a British man who was organising excursions in the Sierra Tejeda Nature Park near Nerja, without being legally constituted to do so, and without paying any tax.
Málaga Hoy reports that most of his clients were other Britons who reserved over the internet for a package of a few days rest in the sierra which included motorbike excursions in the Nature Park at a price of between 400 and 500 €."
British man arrested in new police swoop against money laundering
British man arrested in new police swoop against money laundering: "man was arrested with the Director of a Marbella lawyers' office
A British man and the Director of a Marbella lawyers’ office are among those arrested in a new National Police operation against money laundering. French and United States citizens have also been detained in the operation, carried out on Tuesday.
Europa Press reports they are all likely to appear shortly in the Marbella court instructing the case.
The investigation started some six months ago and has been carried out by agents from the National Police Money Laundering Unit together with the UDYCO Organised Crime Unit based on the Costa del Sol. It’s understood investigations were based in both Marbella and Fuengirola.
The Marbella lawyer is described as a specialist in real estate and has been named with the initials P.A. A large amount of documentation, both paper and computer data, has been removed for study."
A British man and the Director of a Marbella lawyers’ office are among those arrested in a new National Police operation against money laundering. French and United States citizens have also been detained in the operation, carried out on Tuesday.
Europa Press reports they are all likely to appear shortly in the Marbella court instructing the case.
The investigation started some six months ago and has been carried out by agents from the National Police Money Laundering Unit together with the UDYCO Organised Crime Unit based on the Costa del Sol. It’s understood investigations were based in both Marbella and Fuengirola.
The Marbella lawyer is described as a specialist in real estate and has been named with the initials P.A. A large amount of documentation, both paper and computer data, has been removed for study."
British Grandmother falls to her death in Benidorm
British Grandmother falls to her death in Benidorm: "48 year old Donna Sharp fell 15 floors from her hotel balcony on Sunday
The Foreign Office has confirmed the death last Sunday of a 48 year old British woman, named as Donna Sharp from Barry, who fell 15 floors from a Benidorm hotel balcony.
It happened at the Aquarium II hotel on the Levante Beach in the town and Spanish police are reported to be investigating.
BBC radio Wales heard from her 25 year old daughter, Angel, that the death was ‘a tragic accident’ which had happened in the last day of her mother’s holiday after she had returned to her hotel early to pack."
The Foreign Office has confirmed the death last Sunday of a 48 year old British woman, named as Donna Sharp from Barry, who fell 15 floors from a Benidorm hotel balcony.
It happened at the Aquarium II hotel on the Levante Beach in the town and Spanish police are reported to be investigating.
BBC radio Wales heard from her 25 year old daughter, Angel, that the death was ‘a tragic accident’ which had happened in the last day of her mother’s holiday after she had returned to her hotel early to pack."
Marbella hotel bookings up after worst year in living memory | Olive Press Newspaper | News Spain
Marbella hotel bookings up after worst year in living memory | Olive Press Newspaper | News Spain: "Marbella’s tourist industry has turned the page on the worst year in its history, posting a rise in hotel bookings.
Almost a million hotel nights have been booked in the city in July-September, up 2.44 per cent on the 2009 high season.
Strongest growth was registered by luxury five-star accommodations charging 300-4,000 euros a night."
Almost a million hotel nights have been booked in the city in July-September, up 2.44 per cent on the 2009 high season.
Strongest growth was registered by luxury five-star accommodations charging 300-4,000 euros a night."
Armed robbery accused arrested boarding plane in Spain - Yorkshire Evening Post
Armed robbery accused arrested boarding plane in Spain - Yorkshire Evening Post: "Lee Tansey, 32, from Salford, was detained by police as he was about to board a plane at Malaga Airport on the Costa del Sol.
He and another younger man were both arrested on suspicion of armed robbery.
They are now awaiting extradition to Britain for questioning by officers from three UK police forces including West Yorkshire.
The raids which West Yorkshire police wish to speak to Tansey about are cash-in-transit bank raids in Elland and Huddersfield in June last year.
Other offences about which he is wanted for questioning include a high value robbery at the Lloyds TSB bank in Darwen, Lancashire, involving weapons including a sledge hammer, crowbar and machete in 2008.
Greater Manchester Police also hope to quiz Tansey about the theft of a car in Whitefield and a theft at a garage in Salford.
Tansey was traced and arrested after a joint operation involving the UK Serious Organised Crime Agency, Greater Manchester Police and the Spanish Police. It is understood that Tansey was checking-in for a flight to the UK when he was arrested. A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: 'A 32 year old man and a 30 year old man were arrested on a European Arrest Warrant"
He and another younger man were both arrested on suspicion of armed robbery.
They are now awaiting extradition to Britain for questioning by officers from three UK police forces including West Yorkshire.
The raids which West Yorkshire police wish to speak to Tansey about are cash-in-transit bank raids in Elland and Huddersfield in June last year.
Other offences about which he is wanted for questioning include a high value robbery at the Lloyds TSB bank in Darwen, Lancashire, involving weapons including a sledge hammer, crowbar and machete in 2008.
Greater Manchester Police also hope to quiz Tansey about the theft of a car in Whitefield and a theft at a garage in Salford.
Tansey was traced and arrested after a joint operation involving the UK Serious Organised Crime Agency, Greater Manchester Police and the Spanish Police. It is understood that Tansey was checking-in for a flight to the UK when he was arrested. A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: 'A 32 year old man and a 30 year old man were arrested on a European Arrest Warrant"
Sold One 77 Aston Martin most expensive car in Spain | Olive Press Newspaper | News Spain
Sold! One-77 Aston Martin - most expensive car in Spain | Olive Press Newspaper | News Spain: "THE MOST expensive car in Spain has been bought in Marbella.
An unnamed foreign businessman has spent 1.8 million euros on One-77 Aston Martin at the C. de Salamanca dealership.
The buyer is described as a middle-aged car fan who spends a lot of time in Marbella.
He has personally travelled to Aston Martin’s factory in Warwickshire to customise the car.
The posh auto boasts a 760-horsepower engine with 12 cyliders.
Only 77 models of the car will ever be made."
An unnamed foreign businessman has spent 1.8 million euros on One-77 Aston Martin at the C. de Salamanca dealership.
The buyer is described as a middle-aged car fan who spends a lot of time in Marbella.
He has personally travelled to Aston Martin’s factory in Warwickshire to customise the car.
The posh auto boasts a 760-horsepower engine with 12 cyliders.
Only 77 models of the car will ever be made."
Monday, 15 November 2010
'Most wanted' arrested in Spain - News - East Lothian News
'Most wanted' arrested in Spain - News - East Lothian News: "British fugitive and one of the UK's most wanted men has been arrested on Spain's Costa del Sol.
Suspected drug dealer Stephen Pitman was held by local police in Malaga.
Pitman, of Chislehurst, south-east London, was among a list of 10 fugitives thought to be on the run in the region, often dubbed the 'Costa del Crime'.
He is accused of seven offences of conspiracy to supply a class A drug and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
He is also accused of another seven offences relating to the supply of a class B drug, for which the maximum jail term is 14 years."One of Britain’s most wanted men has been arrested on Spain's Costa del Sol.
Suspected drug dealer Stephen Pitman was held by local police in Malaga.
Pitman, of Chislehurst, south-east London, was among a list of ten fugitives thought to be on the run in the region, often dubbed the ‘Costa del Crime’.
He is accused of seven offences of conspiracy to supply a class A drug and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
He is also accused of another seven offences relating to the supply of a class B drug, for which the maximum jail term is 14 years.
A note on the website for the British Embassy in Spain lists his distinctive features as: ‘scar on brow; scar on right finger’.
Pitman's details were posted by Crimestoppers on a ‘most wanted’ website targeting the Spanish region last year.
The Serious Organised Crime Agency and Spanish police authorities were also involved in the move, codenamed Operation Captura.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: ‘We can confirm the arrest of a British national in Malaga on October 25.
‘We have offered consular assistance and
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1329757/Costa-del-Sols-wanted-drug-dealer-Stephen-Pitman-faces-justice-Britain.html#ixzz15L4VfLZC
Suspected drug dealer Stephen Pitman was held by local police in Malaga.
Pitman, of Chislehurst, south-east London, was among a list of 10 fugitives thought to be on the run in the region, often dubbed the 'Costa del Crime'.
He is accused of seven offences of conspiracy to supply a class A drug and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
He is also accused of another seven offences relating to the supply of a class B drug, for which the maximum jail term is 14 years."One of Britain’s most wanted men has been arrested on Spain's Costa del Sol.
Suspected drug dealer Stephen Pitman was held by local police in Malaga.
Pitman, of Chislehurst, south-east London, was among a list of ten fugitives thought to be on the run in the region, often dubbed the ‘Costa del Crime’.
He is accused of seven offences of conspiracy to supply a class A drug and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
He is also accused of another seven offences relating to the supply of a class B drug, for which the maximum jail term is 14 years.
A note on the website for the British Embassy in Spain lists his distinctive features as: ‘scar on brow; scar on right finger’.
Pitman's details were posted by Crimestoppers on a ‘most wanted’ website targeting the Spanish region last year.
The Serious Organised Crime Agency and Spanish police authorities were also involved in the move, codenamed Operation Captura.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: ‘We can confirm the arrest of a British national in Malaga on October 25.
‘We have offered consular assistance and
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1329757/Costa-del-Sols-wanted-drug-dealer-Stephen-Pitman-faces-justice-Britain.html#ixzz15L4VfLZC
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Police swoop on British Costa fugitives | Costa del Sol | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain
Euro Weekly News | Police swoop on British Costa fugitives | Costa del Sol | News | The Largest English Language Newspapers in Spain: "FIFTEEN British-run pubs and bars on the Costa del Sol were raided in a National Police operation codenamed Cardhu. Premises were searched in Marbella, Fuengirola, Calahonda, Torremolinos, Benalmadena and La Cala over four days, in search of some of the most-wanted criminals.
More than 100 British expats and holidaymakers were asked to identify themselves to officers, and three people with outstanding warrants, mostly for drugs offences, were arrested.
A pub owner and a waiter were also taken into custody in Benalmadena for allegedly selling drugs on his premises, which have now been closed.
Police said that the want British fugitives hiding on the Costa “to know this is not a hide-away from justice and they will be tracked down and arrested.”
The operation is not over yet, as British criminals were the first to be targeted but raids will be carried out shortly at known meeting places for criminals of other nationalities.
In 2009, police identified 77 criminal gangs which had settled on the Costa del Sol, according to the Home Office.
One out of eight criminal organizations in Spain is based in Malaga and last year alone, 395 people were arrested in the province."
More than 100 British expats and holidaymakers were asked to identify themselves to officers, and three people with outstanding warrants, mostly for drugs offences, were arrested.
A pub owner and a waiter were also taken into custody in Benalmadena for allegedly selling drugs on his premises, which have now been closed.
Police said that the want British fugitives hiding on the Costa “to know this is not a hide-away from justice and they will be tracked down and arrested.”
The operation is not over yet, as British criminals were the first to be targeted but raids will be carried out shortly at known meeting places for criminals of other nationalities.
In 2009, police identified 77 criminal gangs which had settled on the Costa del Sol, according to the Home Office.
One out of eight criminal organizations in Spain is based in Malaga and last year alone, 395 people were arrested in the province."
Spain’s biggest ever counterfeit cigarette network dismantled » Breaking News | Wire Update News | News Wires -
Spain’s biggest ever counterfeit cigarette network dismantled » Breaking News | Wire Update News | News Wires -: "Spain's biggest ever counterfeit cigarette network has been dismantled in an operation against that led to the seizure of 90 million fake cigarettes and the arrest of six men, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) said Friday.
The investigation saw the OLAF working closely with Spanish Customs to break up one of the largest tobacco rackets in Europe and prevent the loss of 10 million euros in tax revenue."
The investigation saw the OLAF working closely with Spanish Customs to break up one of the largest tobacco rackets in Europe and prevent the loss of 10 million euros in tax revenue."
Spanish Police Take Down Major Drug Ring
Latin American Herald Tribune - Spanish Police Take Down Major Drug Ring: "Spanish police have dismantled one of the main organizations of large-scale cocaine trafficking between South America and Spain, arresting 50 people and seizing more than 5.5 million euros ($7.5 million) in cash, authorities said Friday.
They also confiscated 65 luxury cars and six boats.
The ring had an extensive import-export business infrastructure between Argentina and Spain which included their trans-Atlantic container traffic.
Agents arrested 50 people for drug trafficking and money laundering in Spain and Argentina.
The ring, chiefly made up of Colombians and Mexicans, camouflaged the drug in packages of 1 kilo (2 pounds, 3 ounces) hidden among shipments of apples.
One point of entry was the northwestern Spanish port of Vigo, from where the drug was sent via a container-distribution company to recipients throughout Spain.
Contact among the traffickers took place on frequent trips between Argentina and Spain to supervise the drug trade."
They also confiscated 65 luxury cars and six boats.
The ring had an extensive import-export business infrastructure between Argentina and Spain which included their trans-Atlantic container traffic.
Agents arrested 50 people for drug trafficking and money laundering in Spain and Argentina.
The ring, chiefly made up of Colombians and Mexicans, camouflaged the drug in packages of 1 kilo (2 pounds, 3 ounces) hidden among shipments of apples.
One point of entry was the northwestern Spanish port of Vigo, from where the drug was sent via a container-distribution company to recipients throughout Spain.
Contact among the traffickers took place on frequent trips between Argentina and Spain to supervise the drug trade."
Homeowners Reminded Of Tax Laws In Spain
Homeowners Reminded Of Tax Laws In Spain: "Individuals looking to sell their property in Spain have been reminded of the tax laws which exist in the country.
According to Carlos Paton, a lawyer in Spain, there are a number of complex measures which non-residents must go through when looking to offload their property.
Writing for Lawdit, Mr Paton explained that foreign buyers in the country can expect to receive 97 per cent of the sale price, with the remaining three per cent contributing toward the 'Plus Valia capital gains'.
'After the completion, the seller independently being resident or non-resident will have to declare before the revenue commission, the revenues obtained from the sale of their dwelling,' the legal expert added.
Non-residents will then be required to submit an application within 30 days of the completion date to the Administration Tributaria, declaring the capital gains tax."
According to Carlos Paton, a lawyer in Spain, there are a number of complex measures which non-residents must go through when looking to offload their property.
Writing for Lawdit, Mr Paton explained that foreign buyers in the country can expect to receive 97 per cent of the sale price, with the remaining three per cent contributing toward the 'Plus Valia capital gains'.
'After the completion, the seller independently being resident or non-resident will have to declare before the revenue commission, the revenues obtained from the sale of their dwelling,' the legal expert added.
Non-residents will then be required to submit an application within 30 days of the completion date to the Administration Tributaria, declaring the capital gains tax."
The NHS hired Dr Marcos Ariel Hourmann even though he killed a patient in Spain | Mail Online
The NHS hired Dr Marcos Ariel Hourmann even though he killed a patient in Spain | Mail Online: "Doctor hired by two UK hospitals while awaiting murder trial
'Earned £10,000 a month' as surgeon for Dyfed-Powys Police
A foreign doctor has been working in Britain despite a conviction for killing a patient in Spain.
Dr Marcos Ariel Hourmann was hired by two NHS hospitals while awaiting a murder trial.
Incredibly, even when he was found guilty of manslaughter, he was treating patients as a surgeon for a British police force, apparently earning £10,000 a month."
'Earned £10,000 a month' as surgeon for Dyfed-Powys Police
A foreign doctor has been working in Britain despite a conviction for killing a patient in Spain.
Dr Marcos Ariel Hourmann was hired by two NHS hospitals while awaiting a murder trial.
Incredibly, even when he was found guilty of manslaughter, he was treating patients as a surgeon for a British police force, apparently earning £10,000 a month."
accused of defrauding investors in 258 cases — financing a luxurious lifestyle, largely in the Spanish resort of Marbella
The Canadian Press: Man who fled trial for defrauding investors in Germany arrested in Panama: "Authorities say a man who fled Germany after he was put on trial for allegedly defrauding investors of €16 million ($22 million) has been arrested in Panama.
Investigators in the western state of Saarland said the 72-year-old was handed over to German officials on Monday and is now back in the country. They didn't identify him.
They said Thursday that the man fled last year, apparently fearing his fraud trial had got off to a bad start.
He is accused of defrauding investors in 258 cases — financing a luxurious lifestyle, largely in the Spanish resort of Marbella.
Investigators say properties in Italy and Spain were seized ahead of the trial along with expensive cars, gold bars and other luxury items worth an estimated €12 million. The trial is to resume shortly."
Investigators in the western state of Saarland said the 72-year-old was handed over to German officials on Monday and is now back in the country. They didn't identify him.
They said Thursday that the man fled last year, apparently fearing his fraud trial had got off to a bad start.
He is accused of defrauding investors in 258 cases — financing a luxurious lifestyle, largely in the Spanish resort of Marbella.
Investigators say properties in Italy and Spain were seized ahead of the trial along with expensive cars, gold bars and other luxury items worth an estimated €12 million. The trial is to resume shortly."
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