Marbella Mayor’s Stepson Accused of Leading Money Laundering Ring
Joakim Peter Broberg, the stepson of Marbella mayor Angeles Muñoz, has been indicted as the leader of a money laundering ring by the National Court of Spain. The 41-year-old faces serious allegations of drug trafficking, money laundering, and involvement in organised crime.
Investigation Reveals Broberg’s Involvement in Organised Crime
Reports from Spanish media reveal that the Criminal Chamber of the National Court has confirmed that investigating judge Manuel García-Castellón has prosecuted over thirty individuals. These individuals are allegedly part of an organisation led by Swedish citizens residing in Spain, involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. Broberg is among those investigated and is reportedly in charge of a complex structure that launders money.
Details of Money Laundering Operations
The Chamber’s order provides details of six money laundering operations that can be attributed to Broberg. At least three of these operations were run in collaboration with his father, Lars Broberg, who is the husband of the Marbella mayoress. Lars Broberg also faces serious accusations but proceedings have been suspended due to health reasons.
Broberg’s Appeal Dismissed, Extradition from Brazil
The court estimates that the laundered amount is around 7,300,820 euros. Broberg attempted to appeal, arguing a lack of evidence to support his prosecution, but the Court of Appeal dismissed his claim. Broberg, who had been incarcerated in Brazil since April, was extradited back to Spain just before Christmas, escorted by Spanish police.
Police Operation Spans Spain and Sweden
Joakim and his father Lars are among 71 individuals arrested so far in a police operation that spans both Spain and Sweden. The operation was initiated when Swedish authorities requested Spain to investigate a group of drug traffickers from the Costa del Sol. The authorities believe that up to 50 deaths per year could be linked to a feud between the gang and other Scandinavian rivals.
Seizure of Assets and Arrests
During an initial raid in 2018, police found an alarming array of weapons, including two submachine guns, eight handguns, a rifle, and a hand grenade. The front company, which also had a base in Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca, had over €1.8 million frozen in bank accounts, while €592,000 in cash was also seized. A total of 50 vehicles were seized along with properties worth over €14 million.
Investigation of Broberg’s Company
A subsequent raid of the Broberg’s Wasa Consulting company led to the arrests of six people and the seizure of documents, which police are still investigating. The same Marbella office, in Nueva Andalucia, also held a series of documents for a string of companies – believed to be 17 in total – owned by Joakim.
Lars Broberg’s Cooperation with Investigators
Lars Broberg has defended the legality of his activity and is cooperating with investigators, ensuring he provided the police with everything they needed.
