Marbella Mayor’s Stepson Faces 22 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking
Joakim Peter Broberg, the 51-year-old stepson of Marbella’s conservative mayor Angeles Muñoz, is potentially facing a 22-year prison sentence. The charges against him include leading a drug trafficking operation, bribery, and money laundering. If convicted, he could also be fined €30 million.
Broberg’s Alleged Involvement in Drug Trafficking
Broberg is accused of spearheading a marijuana smuggling operation that spanned Morocco, Spain, and France. Prosecutors allege that he was the head of this criminal organization, maintaining contacts with suppliers and customers. His accomplice, Roberto Bayona, is said to have conducted personal interviews, follow-ups, and necessary deliveries.
28 Others Also Facing Charges
In addition to Broberg, 28 other individuals are also facing charges related to the alleged drug trafficking network. The operation is believed to have been most active in 2019.
Use of Encrypted Messaging Service
Court documents suggest that throughout 2020, Broberg maintained contact with various suppliers, including one known as ‘Canaryegg’ on EncroChat. This encrypted messaging service was widely used by criminals until it was compromised by authorities in July 2020, leading to numerous arrests and the seizure of over €900 million.
Allegations of Bribing a Local Police Officer
Prosecutors allege that Broberg bribed a local police officer in Marbella, Rafael Gallego, who provided him with restricted information in exchange for cash. The payment was reportedly made without leaving any trace.
Money Laundering Operations
Broberg is said to have used two real estate offices in the Plaza de Marbella shopping centre as bases for his money laundering operations. His father, Lars Gunnar Broberg, who was in a long-term relationship with Mayor Angeles Muñoz, was also implicated in the case before his death last year.
Upcoming Trial
In October 2022, Manuel Garcia Castellon, head of the Central Court of Instruction Number 6, prosecuted around 30 people, including Broberg and his father, for allegedly being part of a Swedish gang that exported large quantities of drugs, mostly marijuana and hashish, to the Nordic countries. A trial date for Joakim has not yet been set, but the Prosecutor’s Office has stated that he must face a jury for the alleged crime of bribing a police officer.
