Marbella Mayor Threatens Legal Action Over Alleged Drug Gang Links
Marbella’s Mayor, Angeles Muñoz, has issued a stern warning of potential legal action in response to allegations linking her and the town hall to an ongoing investigation into her husband and stepson’s supposed involvement in a drug gang. Muñoz has vehemently denied any connection to the prosecution, which includes charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption.
Local Police Officer Among Those Facing Trial
Despite the Mayor’s denial, one of the 27 individuals facing trial in Madrid’s High Court is a local police officer from Marbella town hall. Rafael Gallego Guerrero, a resident of Ronda, is alleged to have been a key member of the Swedish mafia group, accused of providing restricted police information in exchange for money. Sources suggest that Guerrero was also responsible for distributing payments around the resort on behalf of the Mayor’s stepson, Joakim.
Mayor’s Husband and Son Among Those Arrested
Lars Broberg, the Mayor’s 80-year-old husband, and his 49-year-old son, Joakim, were among the 71 individuals arrested last year in a large-scale police operation spanning Brazil, Spain, and Sweden. The operation, dubbed Operacion Mueble (Furniture), was initiated in 2018 when Swedish authorities sought assistance from Spanish police to investigate the gang, which was suspected of exporting large quantities of marijuana and other drugs from Andalucía to Sweden and other European countries.
Accusations of Money Laundering and Bribery
Judge Castellon alleges that the Brobergs, with the aid of a complex network of companies and financial advisors, laundered money through property, jewels, and gold. The group is also accused of bribing officials in the town halls of Estepona, Benahavis, and Marbella to achieve their objectives. They are also believed to have assisted other friends and clients, including wealthy Russian oligarchs.
Intercepted Conversations Reveal Influence Over Town Halls
In intercepted conversations, Joakim is heard boasting about his influence over the town hall technician who secured him three licenses in La Quinta. He later tells his business partner, Mark Holmen, that they have ‘won’ with three key technicians in charge of licenses. He claims to have control over the Junta de Andalucia, Marbella, Estepona, and essentially the whole of Andalucía.
Potential Jail Terms for Brobergs
Lars Broberg, who may avoid trial due to ill health, could face a 14-year jail term for the two offences he is accused of, one of which involves a €12m villa in the Marbella hills. His son, Joakim, is accused of being the main contact between the drug suppliers in Morocco and the clients in northern Europe.
