Increase VAT on hotel rooms up to 8%.

Hoteliers in Spain are having increasingly difficult months, as the European recession continues to blight their business. Many would-be visitors to the Costa’s are staying away, leaving a large percentage of hotel rooms empty, even during the peak July, August period this year.If that were not enough, the government has just announced that it will increase VAT on hotel rooms up to 8%. This increase will almost certainly have to be passed on to hotel guests this presumably, could lead to a further decline in room occupancy.<br /> José Carlos Escribano who is the current president of the Costa del Sol Association of Hoteliers says, that this is a huge blow to the already slim profit line experienced by the region’s hotel industry.He also stated that the government had blatantly taken the opposite stance to what the hotel industry had requested, which was a decrease in hotel VAT, rather than an increase, in order to assist with bringing in more, much-needed, tourists.

Increase VAT on hotel rooms up to 8%.

Hoteliers in Spain are having increasingly difficult months, as the European recession continues to blight their business. Many would-be vis...

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Bank notes amounting to more than 4.3 million € and 8,000 dollars found

<object height="270" width="448"><param name="movie" value="http://video.publico.es/videos/v/48402/0/medium"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://video.publico.es/videos/v/48402/0/medium" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="448" height="270" allowScriptAccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" ></embed></object><br /> Police have discovered, buried beneath cement flooring in a group of shanty dwellings in the Son Banya area of Palma de Mallorca, bank notes amounting to more than 4.3 million € and 8,000 dollars. They also found seven and a half kilos of jewellery amongst the boxes found buried there.It’s the same area where a 45 year old woman was killed in a shootout three weeks ago.<br /> Europa Press reports this Tuesday that the swoop, after months of investigation, came on 18th September, when 100 officers, supported by a helicopter, raided the area where two drug-dealing family clans were known to be based. They seized unspecified amounts of cocaine, heroin and marijuana, and arrested one suspect.The treasure trove was discovered in a nearby building which the drug dealers used as a garage.

Bank notes amounting to more than 4.3 million € and 8,000 dollars found

Police have discovered, buried beneath cement flooring in a group of shanty dwellings in the Son Banya area of Palma de Mallorca, bank note...

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Britain’s most wanted criminals, 27 year old Michael Eddleston, has been arrested after handing himself into the offices of the British Consulate

Britain’s most wanted criminals, 27 year old Michael Eddleston, has been arrested after handing himself into the offices of the British Consulate in Palma de Mallorca.He was one of the group of ten criminals who were highlighted in a new ‘Crimestoppers Captura 3’ campaign aimed at Spain and the Costa del Sol.A statement from the British Embassy in Spain said that he is wanted in connection with the possession and trafficking of drugs.British Ambassador in Spain, Dame Denise Holt, commented that ‘The arrest of one of the most wanted British criminals in Spain is great news, and another demonstration that the close collaboration between the U.K. and Spain is working.

Britain’s most wanted criminals, 27 year old Michael Eddleston, has been arrested after handing himself into the offices of the British Consulate

Britain’s most wanted criminals, 27 year old Michael Eddleston, has been arrested after handing himself into the offices of the British Cons...

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Supreme Court has confirmed the sentence for six suspects who were found guilty of kidnapping a British couple in Torrevieja four years ago.

The un-named couple were snatched on the day they arrived for their Costa Blanca holiday in July 2005 after being followed by two vehicles as they drove their hire car away from El Altet Airport. The kidnappers decided to make their move as the unlucky tourists were driving through Torrevieja, crashing into their hire car and threatening them with a gun. Diario Información reports that they were then taken to a flat in San Vicente del Raspeig, where they were held blindfolded while the kidnappers demanded contact telephone numbers for the couple’s family.The paper said no phone call was made, however, as the gang were unable to decide amongst themselves on the amount to demand.The British hostages fortunately managed to escape their captors when their driver stopped to make a phone call at a petrol station as they were being taken to a second hideout.The Supreme Court ruling confirms the earlier sentence from a lower court, sending their six kidnappers to a total of 89 years behind bars.

Supreme Court has confirmed the sentence for six suspects who were found guilty of kidnapping a British couple in Torrevieja four years ago.

The un-named couple were snatched on the day they arrived for their Costa Blanca holiday in July 2005 after being followed by two vehicles a...

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National Police in Málaga have arrested eight suspects in a drugs operation which has broken up the core leadership of a gang which smuggled cocaine into Spain from South America.

National Police in Málaga have arrested eight suspects in a drugs operation which has broken up the core leadership of a gang which smuggled cocaine into Spain from South America. Police said in a statement that 19 kilos of cocaine were seized in the course of their investigations.The organisation, led by a Nigerian man from Yame, was based in Málaga City and used Spanish couriers to bring the drugs into Spain hidden in books, picture frames and souvenirs from their trips abroad. Four of the suspects, aged 30 to 43, worked as couriers for the gang, while three others in custody were in charge of finding new recruits for the smuggling operation.Europa Press reports that the police operation remains open and further arrests have not been ruled out.

National Police in Málaga have arrested eight suspects in a drugs operation which has broken up the core leadership of a gang which smuggled cocaine into Spain from South America.

National Police in Málaga have arrested eight suspects in a drugs operation which has broken up the core leadership of a gang which smuggled...

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35 year old man wanted in the United States in connection with child pornography has been arrested

Named by Europa Press as M.R.W., he was wanted on a warrant from the Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona on 10 counts of possession, transport and distribution of child pornography. He was charged in February last year after police found a large amount of pornographic material on the computers he used at a number of residences in Arizona.35 year old man wanted in the United States in connection with child pornography has been arrested in Spain while trying to leave the country. The arrest was made in Málaga by officers from the international crime unit of the Costa del Sol Organised Crime and Drugs Squad and the National Court in Madrid will now handle the suspect’s extradition back to the United States.<br /> <br /> The suspect is married with two twin daughters, and it’s understood the original complaint to police came from his wife’s sister.

35 year old man wanted in the United States in connection with child pornography has been arrested

Named by Europa Press as M.R.W., he was wanted on a warrant from the Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona on 10 counts of possession, t...

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Marbella planning office, counted a total of 38,194 buildings which do not comply with the current PGOU Urban Plan guidelines

The list of illegal properties includes homes, hotels, schools, gas stations, golf courses, shopping malls, industrial warehouses and a heliport.The Marbella planning office, counted a total of 38,194 buildings which do not comply with the current PGOU Urban Plan guidelines, which was approved in 1986.<br /> 90 per cent of the buildings are homes.La Opinión de Málaga published the figures

Marbella planning office, counted a total of 38,194 buildings which do not comply with the current PGOU Urban Plan guidelines

The list of illegal properties includes homes, hotels, schools, gas stations, golf courses, shopping malls, industrial warehouses and a heli...

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The Molding Clinic on the Costa del Sol were, in the words of the judges presiding over the case, “neglectful and downright careless in there treatment of the patient”.

Stella Obasanjo was the first-lady of Nigeria who died under the surgeon’s knife in October 2005 at an exclusive clinic in Marbella while undergoing cosmetic surgery. She was having simple and straightforward liposuction but during the procedure she received injuries that proved fatal.<br /> <br /> The Molding Clinic on the Costa del Sol were, in the words of the judges presiding over the case, “neglectful and downright careless in there treatment of the patient”. Their lack of care led to Stella Obasanjo’s liver being badly slashed, 24 hours later she became ill but the surgeon ignored his cell phone when called for help, and then took a further 4 hours to attend to his patient.He then placed her in the back of his own vehicle to rush her to hospital in Marbella where she died within an hour of arrival. The un-named doctor received a £110,000 fine, was bared from medical practice for three years and sent to prison for 12 months

The Molding Clinic on the Costa del Sol were, in the words of the judges presiding over the case, “neglectful and downright careless in there treatment of the patient”.

Stella Obasanjo was the first-lady of Nigeria who died under the surgeon’s knife in October 2005 at an exclusive clinic in Marbella while un...

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Cemex headquarters in Spain was raided yesterday by Spanish anti-trust authorities

Cemex headquarters in Spain was raided yesterday by Spanish anti-trust authorities who were searching for information that might indicate the company is guilty of price fixing.The third largest cement maker in the world stated in a report to the US Securities and Exchange Commission that the investigation is an ongoing attempt to find building materials companies in Spain that are fixing the prices of their services and products.According to the report, if guilty companies are discovered they will face fines that could total up to 10% of the year’s sales volumes.Cemex was also under investigation last year by the European Commission when it was indicated that the cement sector may be involved in cartel activity. It is not known if the new Spanish investigation is linked to this prior probe by the EU.

Cemex headquarters in Spain was raided yesterday by Spanish anti-trust authorities

Cemex headquarters in Spain was raided yesterday by Spanish anti-trust authorities who were searching for information that might indicate th...

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National Police have made three arrests in relation to the theft of drugs from a Seville police station

National Police have made three arrests in relation to the theft of drugs from a Seville police station 15 months ago. One of the three is now charged with the actual theft and the other two have been charged with sale and distribution of the drugs that were being held as evidence by the city’s drug squad.The theft was very large and embarrassing for the Seville police amounting to around 100kg’s of heroin and cocaine. Police have so far declined to name the three men identifying them only by their initials.At the time of the theft the police said that the drugs were worth approximately €5 million on the Spanish black market, it is believed that the drugs were taken in small amounts over a period of time rather than in one large theft.

National Police have made three arrests in relation to the theft of drugs from a Seville police station

National Police have made three arrests in relation to the theft of drugs from a Seville police station 15 months ago. One of the three is n...

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British man extradited to Spain over death of New Zealander

31-year-old New Zealander, Benjamin John Coulson known to his friends as Benny died in a Spanish hospital two days before Christmas last year after receiving head injuries on 19 December 2008. According to reports British police in Cambridge arrested a man said to be in his 20s a month ago in the city of Cambridge he was subsequently charged with manslaughter.he has now been extradited to Spanish custody to await trial with regard to the death of Mr Coulson who lived in La Linea the mainland town adjacent to Gibraltar wife Eva who is Spanish and their six-year-old son.According to police reports he was struck on the head with some kind of object whilst drinking in a bar with friends that night he died. This injury however was not serious and later in the evening he took a taxi to the home of the man who struck him on the head to ask for an explanation.On arrival he was again struck on the head this time by a head-butt which left him unconscious and resulted in the injuries from which he did not recover.

British man extradited to Spain over death of New Zealander

31-year-old New Zealander, Benjamin John Coulson known to his friends as Benny died in a Spanish hospital two days before Christmas last yea...

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Ten men have been placed on a 'most wanted' website by Crimestoppers which targets the area around Malaga, notorious for harbouring criminals on the run.

Ten men have been placed on a 'most wanted' website by Crimestoppers which targets the area around Malaga, notorious for harbouring criminals on the run.Dave Cording, Crimestoppers' director of operations, said: 'These appeals include some very nasty individuals and crimes, and we need you, the public, to help us put them behind bars where they belong.'<br /> Members of the public who spot the fugitives are warned not to approach them, as they are known to be dangerous.<br /> Benjamin Murphy, 29, of Manchester is wanted over a £1.6million robbery of a jeweller's. He is also suspected of fraudulently obtaining a passport after he was seized and selling a hire car to raise cash. Murphy is described as 5ft 11in, of stocky build with green eyes and closely shaved dark brown hair. He has a Chinese dragon tattooed on his right arm.<br /> Stephen Burnell, 56, of Scunthorpe is wanted after failing to surrender to custody after being convicted of a series of sex crimes, including offences on children. He was facing a six-year jail sentence. Burnell has a tattoo on his left arm of a dog, cat and a tiger. There is a skull on his other arm.<br /> Martin Smith, 44, of North Shields is wanted in connection with the rape of a child aged under 16 and gross indecency with a girl under the age of 16. The attacks took place over 10 years between April 1995 and April 2005. Smith did not answer bail in January last year and may be on the run with his wife and five-year-old daughter.<br /> Paul Walmsley, 40, of Liverpool has been on the run for three years and is suspected of being a member of a drug smuggling gang specialising in heroin and cocaine. The wealthy gang had links to Holland and Spain and were also involved in the importation of ecstasy and cannabis.<br /> Michael Eddleston, 27, of Doncaster is accused of drug trafficking. He is described as white, 165cm tall (5ft 5ins), of medium build with light brown eyes and hair.<br /> Mark Brown, 44, of Liverpool is accused of being the head of a drug smuggling gang that conspired to bring hundreds of kilos of heroin into Britain. The drug was concealed in the feet of wooden pallets used to transport legitimate loads of quad bikes and motorised toys. He is described as 6ft, of proportionate build with short black hair.<br /> Fatah Benlaredj, 32, originally from Algeria, is wanted over the rape of a seven-year-old girl. He is accused of befriending her mother via a social networking site in 2007. The alleged offence took place in Stockport.<br /> Stephen Pitman, 53, of Chislehurst, London, is accused of seven offences of conspiracy to supply a Class A drug and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.<br /> Jody Flynn, 28, of Birkenhead, is accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He is described as white, 5ft 11in, of slim build with blue eyes.<br /> Joseph Morley, 46, of Liverpool disappeared from prison in May 2000 while serving a 15-year sentence for conspiracy to import cocaine and heroin. He was on licensed day release and failed to return to prison with 1,664 days of his sentence remaining. He has tattoos on several fingers.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFYitv_HjclxONC5jhJ0gfYFDnBnmTBMnK7t6yBsJUxn-V6CqK_27IpDJmBnTAAKO_QGbSWA1tKJDzOeranflugBlHha29SIez9fpKAx3jdtTESKS-QRWPiwNynky6liJ3oP3casxWY0/s1600-h/_634x343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFYitv_HjclxONC5jhJ0gfYFDnBnmTBMnK7t6yBsJUxn-V6CqK_27IpDJmBnTAAKO_QGbSWA1tKJDzOeranflugBlHha29SIez9fpKAx3jdtTESKS-QRWPiwNynky6liJ3oP3casxWY0/s400/_634x343.jpg" /></a><br /> </div>Wanted: (Top row, from left) Paul Walmsley, Martin Smith, Henry Pitman, Benjamin Murphy, Joseph Morley (Bottom row, from left) Jody Flynn, Michael Eddleston, Stephen Burnell, Mark Brown and Fatah Benlaredj

Ten men have been placed on a 'most wanted' website by Crimestoppers which targets the area around Malaga, notorious for harbouring criminals on the run.

Ten men have been placed on a 'most wanted' website by Crimestoppers which targets the area around Malaga, notorious for harbouring ...

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On the run in the Costa del Sol region of southern Spain

British expatriates and holidaymakers in Spain are being called on to help catch 10 of Britain's most wanted criminals in a campaign launched in Malaga on Wednesday.The men, whose crimes range from drug trafficking and robbery to serious child sex offences, are thought to be on the run in the Costa del Sol region of southern Spain, which has a large ex-pat community."These appeals include some very nasty individuals and crimes, and we need the public to help us put them behind bars where they belong," said Dave Cording, director of operations at UK crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers, which is running the campaign with the Serious Organised Crime Agency.Operation Captura, which aims to identify and locate those wanted by law enforcement agencies for serious crimes committed in Britain, was first launched in 2006 and has so far helped catch 23 fugitives.Crimestoppers have posted pictures of the men -- who include 29-year-old Benjamin Murphy, wanted for a robbery in which 1.6 million pounds of diamond jewellery and watches were stolen -- on their website.They have also circulated posters and beermats to bars and restaurants on the Costa del Sol.

On the run in the Costa del Sol region of southern Spain

British expatriates and holidaymakers in Spain are being called on to help catch 10 of Britain's most wanted criminals in a campaign lau...

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Michael Eddleston, 27, is being targeted in an appeal on the Costa Del Sol

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwRRNGURjyDHNubA2YkFMp7BJtZSQSrESMLiPVR67PQs7o6CbCzVXAW0ZjssQ8q6wZbQxtARPAzA8m1nqCqNOpqcY4nDyS40bVypsE3_3Tb3zOghSjPdGC0hNuHBW5V9H71e1wTmPsv0/s1600-h/eddlestonmichael.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwRRNGURjyDHNubA2YkFMp7BJtZSQSrESMLiPVR67PQs7o6CbCzVXAW0ZjssQ8q6wZbQxtARPAzA8m1nqCqNOpqcY4nDyS40bVypsE3_3Tb3zOghSjPdGC0hNuHBW5V9H71e1wTmPsv0/s400/eddlestonmichael.jpg" /></a><br /> </div>Michael Eddleston, 27, is being targeted in an appeal on the Costa Del Sol, known as Operation Captura. He has been identified as a member of a crime group which carried out a drug trafficking operation from Doncaster and Morley in West Yorkshire. Mr Eddleston is believed to be living in Spain in a bid to evade arrest. He is accused of three counts of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs. He was identified after a joint investigation between South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire Police in 2006. <br /> Officers recovered large quantities of heroin and amphetamine sulphate valued at £65,000 as part of the operation. Eight men arrested and charged with offences of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs were jailed at Sheffield Crown Court in November 2006, after entering guilty pleas. <br /> <br /> It is thought that Mr Eddleston, who was born and raised in Doncaster, may be working in the building trade in Spain. <br /> <br /> He is described as 5ft 5in, of medium build with light brown eyes and brown hair. <br /> <br /> He is left handed and has a scar on his right upper leg. <br /> <br /> Operation Captura involves Crimstoppers the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and the Spanish police.

Michael Eddleston, 27, is being targeted in an appeal on the Costa Del Sol

Michael Eddleston, 27, is being targeted in an appeal on the Costa Del Sol, known as Operation Captura. He has been identified as a member ...

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Molding Clinic on the Costa del Sol were, in the words of the judges presiding over the case, “neglectful and downright careless in there treatment of the patient”.

Stella Obasanjo was the first-lady of Nigeria who died under the surgeon’s knife in October 2005 at an exclusive clinic in Marbella while undergoing cosmetic surgery. She was having simple and straightforward liposuction but during the procedure she received injuries that proved fatal.<br /> The Molding Clinic on the Costa del Sol were, in the words of the judges presiding over the case, “neglectful and downright careless in there treatment of the patient”. Their lack of care led to Stella Obasanjo’s liver being badly slashed, 24 hours later she became ill but the surgeon ignored his cell phone when called for help, and then took a further 4 hours to attend to his patient.He then placed her in the back of his own vehicle to rush her to hospital in Marbella where she died within an hour of arrival. The un-named doctor received a £110,000 fine, was bared from medical practice for three years and sent to prison for 12 months.

Molding Clinic on the Costa del Sol were, in the words of the judges presiding over the case, “neglectful and downright careless in there treatment of the patient”.

Stella Obasanjo was the first-lady of Nigeria who died under the surgeon’s knife in October 2005 at an exclusive clinic in Marbella while un...

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killing of Briton, 26 year old Daniel Hastelow Trial starts today

Trial starts today of two British men, who are accused of killing another Briton, 26 year old Daniel Hastelow, and breaking into his home in Magaluf on Mallorca in January this year.The attack came at 4am on the morning after the victim’s birthday in an apartment in Calle Contraalmirante Riera in Magaluf, but an argument had started before that in a local pup. This allegedly led the attackers to go to the home of the victim, armed with a baseball bat and knife. The victim was stabbed several times and the two suspects were arrested at Palma airport afterwards when trying to flee Mallorca. They have been held in prison on remand since January 15 this year.A statement from the Supreme Court said that the case will get underway at 9,30am this morning with the selection of the jury, and is expected to continue in both morning and afternoon sessions until Wednesday.

killing of Briton, 26 year old Daniel Hastelow Trial starts today

Trial starts today of two British men, who are accused of killing another Briton, 26 year old Daniel Hastelow, and breaking into his home in...

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English girl has been found murdered in the apartment

English girl has been found murdered in the apartment she rented in Cabo Roig with her boyfriend.The victim, aged 20, was discovered lying on a plastic sheet with multiple stab-wounds, mostly to her neck.<br /> Officers believed the killer had intended to hide the body, but was unable to lift it.Her boyfriend, 24, also British, was arrested on the same day after a spectacular police chase that ended in Oliva.After fleeing the urbanisation on the Orihuela Costa, the accused was traced to Oliva where police managed to locate his white British-registered Opel. <br /> They were forced to intercept him, leading him to crash the car into the orange groves.Friends and acquaintances of the girl say she worked in Smiling Jack’s Bar, which is owned by her parents, on the Cabo Roig estate.<br /> They claim she and her boyfriend were always rowing because of his jealous nature.“She was very pretty and very nice to everyone, which caused him to be jealous,” one of her friends said. He had been seen to push her during arguments in the street. A local barman said he had overheard her telling friends last week that she ‘couldn’t take any more’ of her boyfriend’s behaviour.He has been arrested on suspicion of her murder.Police say he has a previous record for petty theft, but no earlier charges for domestic violence.

English girl has been found murdered in the apartment

English girl has been found murdered in the apartment she rented in Cabo Roig with her boyfriend.The victim, aged 20, was discovered lying o...

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MALAGA judge has sent a 30-year-old man to prison without the option of bail for setting seven police cars on fire

MALAGA judge has sent a 30-year-old man to prison without the option of bail for setting seven police cars on fire on Tuesday September 15. After 12 hours hiding in his flat in the Carlinda neighbourhood in Malaga, he handed himself in.Although the man admitted he was sorry for what he had done, he told police that he had set fire the vehicles in retribution for allegedly being robbed the night before by two people that identified themselves to him as being as police officers.He says that when he reported the robbery the following morning at the police station, officers didn’t pay attention to him thinking he was drunk. He apparently left the police station threatening “You’re going to get it.”He now faces charges for criminal damage estimated at 300,000 euros and endangering life.

MALAGA judge has sent a 30-year-old man to prison without the option of bail for setting seven police cars on fire

MALAGA judge has sent a 30-year-old man to prison without the option of bail for setting seven police cars on fire on Tuesday September 15. ...

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20-man fight broke out at the San Andrew beach between Romanian, Polish and Moroccan immigrants

20-man fight broke out at the San Andrew beach between Romanian, Polish and Moroccan immigrantsFive of the seven people arrested following a fight between two groups of immigrants that broke out in the early hours of September 18 at the San Andres beach in Malaga have been freed pending a hearing while the other two remain in hospital.It is thought that about 20 people were involved in the brawl from various nationalities including Romanians, Poles and Moroccans (three of which were seriously injured).Although the reason for the fight is not known, police suspect that it is territorial in nature. Knifes, sticks and stones were used as weapons during the incident.

20-man fight broke out at the San Andrew beach between Romanian, Polish and Moroccan immigrants

20-man fight broke out at the San Andrew beach between Romanian, Polish and Moroccan immigrantsFive of the seven people arrested following a...

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Total Post, is believed to have received over 300,000 euros in deposits for non-existent holiday lets around Europe.

Javea, Valencia, PO box, which is thought to be the key to a European-wide holiday letting scam.The box, one of many at the offices of Total Post, is believed to have received over 300,000 euros in deposits for non-existent holiday lets around Europe.It is owned by the company Paul Quinn Properties SL, which has allegedly conned at least 100 British families into parting with an average of 3000 euros for holidays across the continent.The Guardia Civil is now investigating the scam, which could total up to one million euros.Paul Quinn Properties found its clients through the website www.morairaway.com, which has now been shut down.Clients found the website through popular sites such as www.holidaylettings.co.uk and www.holiday-rentals.co.uk.The Guardia Civil is continuing to investigate

Total Post, is believed to have received over 300,000 euros in deposits for non-existent holiday lets around Europe.

Javea, Valencia, PO box, which is thought to be the key to a European-wide holiday letting scam.The box, one of many at the offices of Total...

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Isabel Pantoja has been given her passport back

Isabel Pantoja has been given her passport back by a Marbella judge to enable her to go on tour, despite being on bail over a massive property fraud and money-laundering racket.Pantoja, whose music career began nearly 40 years ago, was arrested in May 2007 at her Marbella home during investigations into the infamous ‘Malaya’ case of property corruption and tax evasion affecting housing developments on the Costa del Sol and in Los Alcázares (Murcia).She bought her freedom by paying 90,000 euros in bail, which was later refunded to her, although her passport was confiscated and she is under the vigilance of the court.On Sunday, however, it was announced that she would be given her documents back in order to travel to Mexico and Colombia for her work.Pantoja will be expected to report to the judge the day after she arrives back in Spain, and hand her passport over again.Also implicated in the Malaya case is the former mayor of Marbella, Julián Muñoz, and his former wife Maite Zaldívar.

Isabel Pantoja has been given her passport back

Isabel Pantoja has been given her passport back by a Marbella judge to enable her to go on tour, despite being on bail over a massive proper...

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Latin Kings gang have been arrested by National Police

15 alleged members of the Latin Kings gang have been arrested by National Police in Orihuela, Alicante, and five of those are under age. The 15, one Colombian and the rest from Ecuador, are accused of beating up another Bolivian youngster who they thought was a member of a rival gang, Los Ñetas. The Bolivian made a formal complaint to the police.A statement from the Alicante provincial police station says that one of those arrested is considered to be the head of the Orihuela gang.Several of those arrested now had been detained before in January, but since then police think the gang has been recruiting locally, especially among young Ecuadorians.

Latin Kings gang have been arrested by National Police

15 alleged members of the Latin Kings gang have been arrested by National Police in Orihuela, Alicante, and five of those are under age. The...

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Estepona News,37-YEAR-OLD Spanish man was arrested by Local Police after he was caught red-handed robbing a bar at the Estepona marina

37-YEAR-OLD Spanish man was arrested by Local Police after he was caught red-handed robbing a bar at the Estepona marina. Another man, aged 26, was also remanded into custody in Estepona for alleged robbery after he asked police to protect him as he was being chased by a group of youths that wanted to hurt him.Officers discovered that the youths were chasing him because he had mugged them moments earlier. In a third incident, Estepona Local Police arrested a German citizen for whom there was an outstanding arrest warrant.

Estepona News,37-YEAR-OLD Spanish man was arrested by Local Police after he was caught red-handed robbing a bar at the Estepona marina

37-YEAR-OLD Spanish man was arrested by Local Police after he was caught red-handed robbing a bar at the Estepona marina. Another man, aged ...

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“boiler room” scams have been operating in Spain for years

Kenyan businessman who ran a share-selling scam from offices in London and Barcelona has been forced by a court ruling obtained by The Financial Services Authority (FSA) to return a quarter of the 4 million pounds that his company managed to scam out of British investors.The Kenyan businessman – Mr. Manji was the owner of Bayshore Nominees Ltd a company that cold called investors and encouraged them to buy worthless shares.<br /> Similar “boiler room” scams have been operating in Spain for years. Analysts estimate hundreds of them to be in operation in Spain. In most cases “boiler room” scam victims are unable to recover any money lost given that most of these companies are not registered, so victims cannot claim compensation from the Financial Compensation Scheme or complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.Investors who have dealt with Bayshore should contact the FSA consumer contact centre on 0845 606 1234 (referring to “Bayshore”) with their details so they can be contacted in connection with any possible compensation

“boiler room” scams have been operating in Spain for years

Kenyan businessman who ran a share-selling scam from offices in London and Barcelona has been forced by a court ruling obtained by The Finan...

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Dentist is practising illegally Rajkumar Rao, 45, is working from a practice in the town of Alhaurin el Grande

Dentist is practising illegally in Spain after being twice struck off the dentists' register.Rajkumar Rao, 45, is working from a practice in the town of Alhaurin el Grande, situated in Malaga on the south coast of Spain.<br /> The General Dental Council (GDC) has confirmed that Rajkumar Sureshchandra Rao was removed from the UK dentists' register in May 1998.He was previously found guilty of serious professional misconduct by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) for offences which included failure to employ a proper degree of skill and attention in providing treatment to patients. He was restored to the UK dentists' register in April 2001, but was erased with immediate suspension again in November 2004 after the PCC found him guilty of seriously deficient clinical work.The GDC said: ‘The Committee took extremely seriously the fact he practised dentistry in the intervening period when he was not a registered dentist. This is illegal.'<br /> However, Rajkumar Rao is offering a ‘world-class smile' and ‘drop dead gorgeous dentures' in local adverts for his clinic, The Alhaurin Dental Centre.A spokesman from the GDC said: ‘The GDC is committed to strengthening patient protection and closely regulates the dental team to ensure they meet our standards which include putting patients' interests first and acting to protect them. When they fail to meet our standards, as Mr Rao did repeatedly, we take proportionate action to protect the public. ‘We alerted the equivalent of the General Dental Council in Spain of this information as a matter of routine.'

Dentist is practising illegally Rajkumar Rao, 45, is working from a practice in the town of Alhaurin el Grande

Dentist is practising illegally in Spain after being twice struck off the dentists' register.Rajkumar Rao, 45, is working from a practic...

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Man was shot twice in the legs in a private poker game in a villa in Marbella

A man was shot twice in the legs in a private poker game in a villa in Marbella; he’s recovering well in the Costa del Sol Hospital, and in the early hours of Tuesday a shotgun was fired in a caravan close to an ‘alternative’ night club in Torrox where two Spanish men aged 42 and 56 were the victims who were only slightly hurt.

Man was shot twice in the legs in a private poker game in a villa in Marbella

A man was shot twice in the legs in a private poker game in a villa in Marbella; he’s recovering well in the Costa del Sol Hospital, and in ...

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Shooting incident outside the British Consulate in Málaga.

A 64 year old man, who the British authorities would not authorise to travel to the U.K. to see his children, fired against the façade of the building, situated near Málaga’s bus station, on Tuesday lunchtime.<br /> El País reports that the man fired at the coat of arms and Union Flag which can be seen from the street, as many as five shots. He then tried to make his escape in a grey coloured car with British number plates, but police caught him nearby.Named with the initials S.Y. he was born in Beirut, and had been arrested for counterfeiting by the British police in 2008. There were no injuries in the shooting. The man is expected to appear in court shortly.

Shooting incident outside the British Consulate in Málaga.

A 64 year old man, who the British authorities would not authorise to travel to the U.K. to see his children, fired against the façade of th...

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Extradition from Marbella of Julian Tzolov, one of America’s most wanted fraudster

'If you pick him up before Monday, drag him here. I want him here on trial'. Well, picked up he was - in Marbella in sunny Spain Wednesday. A new trial date has been set, however, for 21st July (enough time for the US and Spanish authorities to get him shipped over), and Tzolov faces up to 15 years in clink just for jumping bail. His lawyer said: 'Julian made a terrible mistake when he fled the jurisdiction. All he has succeeded in doing is further compromising his already fragile legal position'. No kiddin'.National Police, in close collaboration with the FBI, have arrested Julian Tzolov, one of America’s most wanted fraudster. “Dimitre Ivanov, a director at UBS Securities LLC, aided the government in the effort to locate former Credit Suisse Group AG broker Julian Tzolov while he was a fugitive”, Ivanov’s lawyer told Bloomberg.Julian Tzolov allegedly scammed investors out of $400 million during his time at Credit Suisse in New York.<br /> Mr. Tzolov was arrested by Spanish National Police as he and a bodyguard stopped the Citroen Saxo they were travelling in at a petrol station. Mr. Tzolov was using forget identification bearing the name Ivan Stefanov Ivanov.He was staying with friends from the Bulgarian community in the region although he was seeking rental accommodation priced as high as 5,000 euros a month, a police spokesman said. Mr Tzolov was also exploring ways to buy property according to the spokesman.Mr Tzolov and Eric Butler, 37, a former Credit Suisse broker, allegedly defrauded clients out of millions of dollars by falsely telling clients their financial products were backed by federally guaranteed student loans while they were actually linked to auction-rate securities.The funds were then invested in high-risk assets including sub-prime mortgages.When the alleged fraud was discovered last September, investors were left with losses totalling $400 million.The alleged fraud “foisted more than $1 billion in sub prime-related securities” on customers, the US Securities and Exchange Commission said when the two men were first accused last September.<br /> Mr Tzolov had been based in Marbella for just over two months when he was arrested.Tzolov became one of the most wanted fugitives by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after he disappeared from house arrest in May, just weeks before his trial.

Extradition from Marbella of Julian Tzolov, one of America’s most wanted fraudster

'If you pick him up before Monday, drag him here. I want him here on trial'. Well, picked up he was - in Marbella in sunny Spain Wed...

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Marbella discovered a large plantation of marijuana

The two brothers, originally from Málaga City, had their bedrooms in a small annexe to the main house and police discovered there a small workshop in the loft where the marijuana was divided up into small bags for sale and distribution. It was also equipped with powerful lamps and a ventilation system.officers discovered a large plantation of marijuana growing on land owned by their parents in San Pedro de Alcántara. The parents are understood to have had no idea it was there.El Mundo said there were 94 plants, some of them as high as three and a half metres.Other equipment, including precision weighing scales, was found in their bedrooms

Marbella discovered a large plantation of marijuana

The two brothers, originally from Málaga City, had their bedrooms in a small annexe to the main house and police discovered there a small wo...

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Juan Antonio Roca sacked

Juan Antonio Roca, the former municipal real estate assessor in Marbella who is at the centre of the Malaya corruption case and in prison for other crimes, will not have a job to go to when he is finally released from jail.<br /> He was suspended from his job when he was placed on remand following his arrest in the Malaya case, but it emerged in January this year that, legally, the Town Hall was unable to sack him.They’ve now found a way to do so however: as a disciplinary measure for repeatedly failing to turn up for work since 31st March 2006. That was when Roca was arrested in the Malaya investigation, and he’s been behind bars ever since.The news was confirmed to EFE by the PSOE party this Thursday, who said he was sacked by the Town Hall on 24th August.

Juan Antonio Roca sacked

Juan Antonio Roca, the former municipal real estate assessor in Marbella who is at the centre of the Malaya corruption case and in prison fo...

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Wanted British man has been arrested in Marbella

Wanted British man has been arrested in Marbella, the Interior Ministry has revealed this Thursday, on an international warrant issued by the UK for a crime committed in Hersden in May 2005.He is named by the Ministry as R.E.C., aged 51, and was originally arrested in the UK after 80 kilos of cannabis were discovered in the hired van he was driving, in boxes which had been loaded up at the second hand car company he owned at the time.<br /> The suspect was arrested near a rent a car in Marbella and is understood to have attempted to escape arrest by driving at the police vehicles which surrounded him.

Wanted British man has been arrested in Marbella

Wanted British man has been arrested in Marbella, the Interior Ministry has revealed this Thursday, on an international warrant issued by th...

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