The
OLIVE PRESS
The Brits are back!
COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA FREE
Your expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 1 Issue 17 www.theolivepress.es June 25th - July 8th 2020
MADDIE SUSPECT’S GRANADA LAIR
We tracked them to the beach See Page 8
Christian Brueckner’s Spanish hideaway
FAMILIAR SIGHT: Brueckner’s ‘Winnebago’ was parked up in the village of Los Tablones in the Orgiva Valley just two weeks after Maddie vanished
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A DANGEROUS paedophile believed to have snatched English tot Maddie McCann visited southern Spain on many occasions. German pervert Christian Brueckner hid out in the Alpujarras region of Granada often dealing drugs, the Olive Press can sensationally reveal. According to his best friend, an Austrian who lived in the area for many years, he even visited just two or three weeks after Maddie went missing. Michael Tatshl, who spent eight months in prison with Brueckner, now believes he is guilty of the murder of Madeleine. Having spent 14 hours being grilled by police over the crime, he spoke to the Olive Press for the first time to explain why. “He was a real pervert and talked about selling children to Morocco, I am pretty sure he did it,” he said this week. Micha, 46, who lived in Orgiva for over a decade, revealed that Brueckner had visited the town on many occasions in his jaguar and various vans. See full story on page 6
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CRIME
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NEWS IN BRIEF Corona violence SOME 8,790 people in Spain have been arrested for gender violence crimes during the state of alarm from March 16 until June 21.
Stop thief PILAR de la Horadada police have surprised two house burglars after getting a tip-off about a break-in, arresting one man and recovering most of the stolen items.
Bitter Taste A LORRY-LOAD of lemons have been scattered onto a Murcia motorway in Fortuna after the driver was five times over the alcohol limit and crashed into a ditch.
Bogus Brands A LOS Alcazares phone shop-owner, 41, has been arrested for peddling Chinese-made fake mobile phones and accessories which could have netted him nearly €600,000.
A Scotch job TWO bootleggers have been arrested after making €28,000 on stolen bottles of Johnnie Walker Scotch whiskey. The suspects, aged 38 and 43, who were arrested in Almoradi, ordered 2,738 bottles from a company in Andalucia and attempted to resell the alcohol without paying for the order. The distributing company’s driver had his suspicions raised at the drop-off in Callosa de Segura when the booze was loaded straight into
a hire van – and not a legitimate warehouse. Following a call to Guardia Civil, agents simply waited at the van hire company in Almoradi before arresting the bootleggers as they returned the vehicle. Tracking software traced the van’s journey to a warehouse in Murcia, where the stolen bottles were found. The new owners of the stolen liquor knew nothing of the middlemen’s scam, and nearly the entire stock was recovered
June 25th - July 8th 2020
Watery end
A NIGHT out for a drunken motorist ended up being a costly affair as his car ended up in the Mar Menor. The boozy driver lost control of his vehicle and spun off the San Pedro del Pinatar portside road into the water. The good news was that the man was uninjured, but things got worse as he failed a breath test ordered by the Policia Local.. He also racked up a bill for his car being hoisted out of the sea.
Boiler room gang Brit involvement in pyramid scheme confirmed By Joshua Parfitt
POLICE sources have confirmed ‘British involvement’ in a boiler room gang that fleeced at least €10 million from investors seeking high returns on an outrageous share investment scheme. Around 250 people are said to have been conned in
BUSTED: Police moved in on the gang during several raids on the Costa Blanca a comprehensive money laundering and fraud operation that promised interest rates as high as 30% a month.
Eight people were detained in Operation Torself with seven others still under investigation – at least one of the arrested is British, police sources confirmed to the Olive Press. Charges include fraud, faking documents, money laundering and belonging to a criminal gang. Guardia agents raided addresses in Torrevieja, Callo-
Baby coke shock A FIVE-month-old baby has been taken into care in Murcia after it was found to have a high level of cocaine in a urine sample. Her parents both tested positive for the drug after their car was involved in an accident on the A-7 in the Sangonera de Seca area. The mother’s breast milk has been ruled out as a source of the cocaine. Authorities are have said the baby might have inhaled the drug.
sa de Segura, and Redovan as well as locations further afield in Murcia city and Sucina. Operation Torself started in February 2019 when a Madrid bank complained that accounts were being used illegally, with a single account laundering €1.5 million. The leader of the operation supposedly used money contributed by investors to buy shares, with contributors promised high returns. They were hooked into the scheme by getting their first few payouts, but then the money tap turned dry. A number of the victims recruited new investors amongst their friends and families in the hope they might claw something back from their original payout by getting some commission. Several took out loans and one woman got into debt to the tune of €1 million. Police have now frozen 43 bank accounts and seized nearly €200,000 cash, including more than €50,000 that was stashed in a baby’s pushchair at the alleged gang leader’s home.
son murders DAD POLICE have arrested a 30-year-old schizophrenic man for allegedly killing his father by slitting his throat. The Spanish national, undergoing medical treatment for the condition, carried out the crime at their family home in the San Jaime neighborhood of Albatera, Alicante. Agents attended the property on Friday, June 19, after the detainee’s mother had run to the nearest police station, warning that her son had lost his mind and threatened to kill his father, according to el Periodico. Other sources say neighbours had reported screaming. The son was found standing over his deceased father, with the knife still in his hand. The 60-year-old’s throat had been sliced open. Levante-EMV claim the detainee had a history of incidents in the family, and was known to be suffering from mental illness for some time.
Armed robbers GUARDIA CIVIL have arrested three men in Alicante who robbed unsuspecting car owners using the socalled Peruvian method. The thieves punctured car tyres and robbed the owners at gunpoint, knifepoint or by distraction as they changed the wheel. The trio are accused of five crimes of theft, two crimes of robbery and one of fraudulent use of a bank card. Investigations began in March when two thefts occurred at Carrefour in Sant Joan d’Alacant. On one occasion, the robbery victim chased the knife-wielding aggressor on foot, but he escaped. This was followed by five robberies in May, where victims were targeted at the nearby LIDL and the Hospital de Sant Joan d’Alacant, as well as the original location at Carrefour. The culprits have also been known to steal from shoppers as they load their cars.
Nine day ordeal A MAN who spent a year looking for his ex-partner, only to slash her face with a knife and then hold her captive for nine days, has been arrested by the Guardia Civil. Agents raided a property in the Murcia region town of Lorca after the woman managed to send a message via a mobile phone. A 38-year-old man was detained, whilst a second man was held in Almeria for helping him with the kidnapping. The woman’s ex-partner wanted to rekindle his relationship with her and tracked her down to the small town of Dalias in Almeria Province before abducting her.
Rail rage A PAIR of rail workers have been struck off for throwing a commuter down some stairs after he wouldn’t put a mask on. The unidentified rail passenger was filmed being hurled down the set of steps at a Barcelona Metro stop and landed on his back. Shocking footage captured the moment the man was violently dealt with by staff at the La Segrera station. Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), the city’s primary public transport operator has said the men have been ‘removed’ from their roles. In the footage of the violent incident one of the workers can be heard saying: “I am fed up with you. And now you can call the police.”
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es
June 25th - July 8th 2020
Chance in hell
MARKED MAN: Christie
LOVED: Willie Thorne
Snooker hero Thorne dies in Torrevieja SNOOKER legend Willie Thorne has died at Torrevieja’s Hospital Universitario. The 66-year-old from Leicester announced in March that he was being treated for leukaemia. As his health deteriorated he was placed into an induced coma after suffering from respiratory failure. He latterly lived in a Villamartin apartment on the Orihuela Costa. Thorne worked on BBC TV’s snooker coverage for many years until the 20172018 season when he was dropped. His peak as a player was in the mid-eighties when he reached number seven in the world rankings. Thorne’s funeral was held near Torrevieja yesterday. His former carer Julie O’Neill said: “This is an immensely difficult time for many. The world lost a champion.”
Miley plea
HAVE you always dreamed of starring alongside a real life Hells Angel in a Hollywood production in Spain? Well now you can. A casting call has been sent out for Marked The Unforgiven, a high-octane new series about an American biker club. Producers are seeking two actors for speaking parts in the show, which will start shooting in Almeria and Malaga in July. The programme is an adaptation of Marked, the bestselling book by George Christie, the founder of Hells Angels, Ventura. A ‘Mediterranean or Californian look’ and ‘tattoos’ will be ‘an advantage’. Applications should be sent to Lucy Carver at Lucy@ wanda-halcyon.com POSTER: For Marked
Talking bull… F1 Star Lewis Hamilton slammed for tackling bullfighting
BRITISH F1 star Lewis Hamilton has been slammed over his incendiary bullfighting remarks. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver, 35, posted a picture of a bloodied bull online with the caption: “This is truly disgusting Spain.” The six-time world champion added: "Kids in Spain are taught to torture and kill bulls
TARGET: Hamilton slammed over comments
- starting at age 14.” The vegan racer has been supporting a PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) campaign against kids taking part in bullfights. His bullfighting comments drew scorn from several high profile figures in Spain, in-
Olive Press on TV - again!
SMILE!: Simon with Charlotte and Sophie EAGLE-EYED Olive Press readers may have noticed a guest appearance by Costa Blanca South journalist, Simon Wade, on TV earlier this week. Wade appeared on Sun, Sea & Selling Houses on Monday, June 22, following the recording in November 2019. The 42-year-old said: “We were just about to launch the Costa Blanca South edition of the Olive Press, and I knew the family at Casas Manuel would make for a great interview.” As the Sunderland man walked into their Benijofar office, he stumbled upon the filming of their Channel 4 programme.
cluding well-known torero Cayetano Rivera Ordoñez. Cayetano said: “Mr Lewis Hamilton doesn't like bullfights... So? “Anyways, before criticising someone else's culture, you should at least learn more about what you're talking about.” Another leading bullfighter Fran Rivera also hit out at Hamilton. He said: “He is a person who has no idea what he is talking about, the first thing he should have to do is inform himself. “He is past arrogance, exceeds pride, and ignorance. I think it is an attack and a lack of respect for Spain, for all Spaniards and for our traditions.” The Spanish Minister of Culture and Sport, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Uribes also waded into the row saying Hamilton’s words were ‘offensive’. An El Espanol poll last year showed that 56% of Spaniards are against bullfighting, 24.7% in favour, and 18.9% indifferent.
Beds Beds Beds
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SPANISH PM Pedro Sanchez and American pop star Miley Cyrus have become an unlikely Twitter partnership. The duo tweeted each other regarding coronavirus and its impact on minorities, leading to a tidal wave of social media memes. The 27-year-old former Disney star - goddaughter to Dolly Parton - tweeted: “Spain, you united in solidarity with Black Lives Matter in the US. We must keep standing together to tackle COVID-19 and its disproportionate impact on marginalised communities, especially communities of colour. Please join us.” Sanchez replied: “Ours is a strong commitment, Miley. Unity and multilateral response is the only way forward.”
TWEETS: Miley to Spanish PM
No Djoke NOVAK Djokovic and his wife have tested positive for COVID-19 just weeks after leaving lockdown at his Marbella mansion. The Serbian world number one, 33, and his partner, Jelena, 34 had attended his charity tennis tournament Adrious Tour Exhibition in Zadar, Croatia. It is there that the 17-time Grand Slam-winner is thought to have contracted the virus, with several other pros who attended also testing positive. Four tennis players, including Djokovic, Dimitrov, Borna Coric, and Victor Troicki all fell ill, as well as two of their trainers.
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4 www.theolivepress.es Alicante Safety Airport installs thermal first imaging
BEACHES in the Murcia region are to get 10 extra first aid and lifeguard safety stations this year under the annual Plan Copa That´s despite the fact that domestic and international visitors numbers are expected to be much lower due to the coronavirus pandemic. Lebeche beach in La Manga has been added to make a total of 81 spots that will have lifeguard services, with July and August to see the biggest use of resources. The Plan Copla beach safety scheme has run for 32 years and covers the eight coastal municipalities of Murcia, namely Áuilas, Lorca, Mazarrón, Cartagena, La Unión, Los Alcázares, San Javier and San Pedro del Pinatar.
New for old
THE Spanish Government will give up to €4,000 to people buying low emission cars. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez unveiled a €3.75 billion plan with 21 measures aimed at helping the automobile industry. Part of the amount will be direct aid, while €2.7 billion will be provided through soft loans for the sector through the state-owned bank, Instituto de Credito Español (ICO).
NEWS
June 25th - July 8th 2020
Hotting up
Hotel’s last chapter
cameras as it ramps up covid measures for summer By Alex Trelinski
AUTOMATIC thermal image cameras are being put into Alicante-Elche airport ahead of an increased flight schedule from July 1. That’s the date when Spain has said that it will welcome back international tourists with budget carriers like Ryanair introducing a revised summer schedule. Spain’s airport operator, AENA, said the automatic cameras in the arrivals area at Alicante-Elche will check the temperatures of passengers in order to stop the possible
JUST a day after Spain entered the ‘new normality’ three comarcas reverted to Phase 2 of lockdown after a new coronavirus outbreak. Monday’s move affects 67,700 people in the comarcas – administrative divisions smaller than a province – in Aragon. Spain’s Health Minister, Salvador Illa, said that the situation in Aragon, which
HEALTH CHECK: Passengers will have their temperatures scanned remotely spread of the coronavirus. At the moment, the very limited number of people flying in are getting an individual ther-
mometer check. Larger volumes of passengers are expected next month which has prompted AENA
Lockdown again
to install an automated thermal image system to stop long queues forming. Any travellers presenting with a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher will be taken to a special area for a medical assessment to be carried out.
is confined to the province of Huesca, is ‘on the way to being controlled’. The new outbreak in Aragon involves 50 infections and is thought to be the most serious of 11 outbreaks reported throughout Spain, including those in Madrid, Catalonia and the Canary Islands.
If the check reveals possible virus symptoms, then a suspected carrier will have to get treatment in the first instance from the airport’s medical service. An interview will also be conducted to find who they have been in contact with over the previous 14 days.
The decision to go back to Phase 2 was taken after several coronavirus outbreaks amongst fruit pickers in the municipalities of Binefar, Zaidin, Fraga and Monzon, with one fruit and veg company being closed down after 14 of its workers were infected.
Virus
AN €11 million project to renovate a deserted Costa Blanca seaside hotel is set to see bulldozers coming onto the site this July in the end of a long saga that promised something special for the area. Work by the Princesol company to totally revamp the Arenales del Sol hotel in the Elche municipality was halted in March 2016, just weeks after contractors went onto the site. The hotel had been empty since 1997 and would have become a four-star resort complex, with 100 bedrooms, as well as restaurants, bars, function rooms, and spas. The Costas Directorate stepped in within just a few weeks of on-site working and fined Princesol for unauthorised demolition of parts of the old building. They also accused the company of extending the proposed area of the new resort, when they had no permission to do so. Now the Costas Directorate has ordered Princesol to start clearing the site within four weeks, or they will hire a contractor themselves and pass on the bill.
How did we save our readers £108,000 in hidden fees in the last week? Now that Spain is returning to some semblance of normality, many of you are deciding to take control of your financial affairs. This inevitably means exploring your options with the various financial advisory companies working here in Spain. One of the most popular products for Brits overseas looking for a more tax efficient, appropriate way to hold their investments is a Spanish compliant investment bond.
There are a number of providers of these products, including Quilter International, Prudential International, Lombard, SEB & STM. Spanish Compliant Investment Bonds are recognised tax wrappers, specifically designed for those who are tax resident in Spain. Within them you can build a diverse portfolio of regulated investment funds, including across different currencies like GBP, EUR and USD. If you don’t make withdrawals, your portfolio can grow effectively tax free. When you withdraw money, this is very tax efficient, and the tax is actually calculated for you, and paid to the tax authorities here on your behalf in most circumstances. Many of you will have seen we recently created a video explaining exactly how these products work, and how they can save substantial amounts of tax over UK investments like UK investment bonds, ISAs
Providing multi-award winning advice for your pensions, investments & tax planning. and investment platforms. In fact, in many cases these products can save more than 20% of the tax due on your investments By Sam Kelly each year, so are well worth considering. Towards the end of this explainer video, the one thing I recommended was that if you are considering signing up to one of these products, to give Chorus a quick call or email first, just to double check the recommendation you are being given is fair and transparent. Well, over the last week alone we were asked to check 7 recommendations for this type of product, and within those recommendations we were able to identify £108,000 of hidden fees and commissions. That’s over £15,000 per recommendation! Rather than quoting a transparent, upfront fee, and not tying the clients into these bonds, the IFAs were negotiating artificially inflated annual bond fees with the providers, as much as 4 times the going rate, and tying the clients into their bonds for up to 10 years. From this, they would be paid an initial commission from your investments of up to 8%. Thankfully with these 7 people we were able to identify this by looking in more detail at the recommendations and saved
DipPFS, EFA, BA (Hons). Managing Partner, Chorus Financial
them for a very uncertain financial future. If you’d like to learn more about Spanish compliant bonds, or have had a recommendation for a Spanish compliant investment bond from Quilter International, Prudential International, Lombard, SEB, STM or others, we strongly recommend you visit the Chorus Financial website and hover over the ‘Investment Management’ Tab to learn more. If you want to save money and increase the quality of your investment portfolio on any kind of product, including Spanish Compliant Investment Bonds, or pensions transfers into a SIPP or QROPs, please contact me on +34 664 398 702, email s.kelly.chorusfinancial. es or visit www.chorusfinancial.es.
The advisers trading as Chorus Financial are members of OpesFidelio and authorised to give financial advice subject to contract in parts of the EEA, including Spain, CNMV No Registro Oficial 3970. OpesFidelio is a trademarked network of the Aisa Group which includes Aisa Financial Planning Ltd and Aisa International s.r.o. Aisa Financial Planning is authorised and regulated in the UK as an independent financial adviser for UK retail clients by the Financial Conduct Authority, Reference number: 189652, and has permissions throughout the EEA under both directives IDD and MiFID. Aisa International s.r.o. is authorised and regulated in the Czech Republic as a financial adviser by the Czech National Bank and has permissions through selected EEA countries, including Spain.
Investment contracts are intended as medium to long term investments, and all investments have some level of risk. Figures in our articles are examples of what can be achieved and cannot be guaranteed; the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Fees and charges can vary and will be fully explained to you before any advice can take place. This article should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular product.
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www.theolivepress.es
Carry on doctor TORREVIEJA Hospital has returned to a near-normal schedule for non-urgent operations and consultations. The facility´s management company, Ribera Salud, says that most of the regular programme of appointments and theatre slots has been reinstated. That´s after the coronavirus health emergency led to a big reduction in treating non-essential cases from early March. The company said that increased consultation hours have now led to fewer people in the hospital waiting areas, as strict safety rules remain in place. Ribera Salud has emphasised that masks have to be worn and the need for visitors to maintain social distancing. They’ve also increased temperature checks at the various entrances to the facility.
Health reforms plea PRESIDENT of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, wants a ‘powerful reform process’ of Valencian public health, once the coronavirus pandemic is over. Instead of just a ‘new normal’, he wants a massive social debate including the public and professionals, to obtain an ‘improved normal’. Puig highlighted the need to ‘learn from the lessons’ of the pandemic and work to overcome ‘the weaknesses’ detected in the health system.
NEWS
Trolling the good guys By Simon Wade
A PLAYA FLAMENCA bar owner has been subjected to a torrent of online abuse for arranging a fundraising night in aid of Policia Local and Guardia Civil. Despite regularly donating to Costa Blanca charities, Nadine Davidson of the Sea View Cafe and Bar, decided to team up with Paddy Larkin from the nearby Cavern Bar to raise awareness and ‘Give A Little Back’. Knowing the police wouldn’t accept cash, Nadine was collecting confectionery, flowers and brandy for the agents to distribute as they wish, purely as a thank you for working so hard during the lockdown. Additionally, a celebration night is to be held on Saturday, June 27, with a raffle, games and karaoke. The Olive Press spoke exclusively with 55-year-old Nadine from Falkirk, who despaired at some of the hostility she received. She said: “One man even said SUNDAY shopping has returned to the Valencian Community’s tourist areas and will continue right through to next January. Before 2018, large and medium-sized stores in designated tourist areas were allowed to open all week throughout the year, with a few bank holiday exceptions.
Money
The rules changed two years ago with Sunday opening limited to six months per year. The Valencian government said the measures were brought in to give shopworkers more time to spend with their families. A number of councils
June 25th - July 8th 2020
Bar owner abused after arranging police fundraising night
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Gloria sort-out WORK has restarted on Guardamar´s beaches to repair damage caused by January´s Storm Gloria. Spain´s State of Alarm, imposed in mid-March, stopped emergency projects that had begun to sort out the storm-hit coastline with broken walkways and other beach-related structures. Last September´s record-breaking storms caused major damage to some of Guardamar´s beaches, which were further compounded by Storm Gloria towards the start of the year.
ABUSED: Nadine and Tony at the Seaview Cafe my attitude towards people is disgusting, rude and disgraceful … he’s never even met me!” However, regulars and
Sunday shopping’s back in the southern Costa Blanca have complained that shoppers simply hopped across the border on a Sunday to the neighbouring Murcia region, depriving the local economy of their money. Shop owners will hope that the Sunday return in parts of the Valencian Community will give them some much-needed extra revenue in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
strangers alike rallied around with support and words of encouragement. Beverley Halford said: “This creep doesn’t know you or how much you do for charity.” One critic was so harsh and cruel with his online abuse that Nadine, a Spanish resident for 14 years, immediately deleted them for fear of upsetting family and friends. The Olive Press approached the man in question, but he refused to comment..
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NEWS FEATURE
www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain
A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.
OPINION Take care A SCROLL through expat Facebook groups will tell you that not everyone in Spain is best pleased at the return of foreign tourism. After 100 days of lockdown, Brits and other nationalities have once again begun to descend on Spanish shores, albeit cautiously. Many business-owners, especially those in the hospitality industry, are chuffed to bits at the thought of foreigners spending their euros. However, some expats and Spaniards have expressed fears that there could be a ‘second wave’ of coronavirus. Spain’s draconian lockdown was enacted sooner and removed later than that of the UK. Many who live here are worried at what they see as the laissez-faire approach to the virus adopted by the British public and the British Government. Boris Johnson and his ministers have been lambasted for ‘returning to normal’ too soon, while Pedro Sanchez and his administration in Spain have been criticised for dragging their feet. Whichever is the right approach, caution over foreign visitors is not only logical but necessary. The coronavirus is still in Spain – a fact hammered home this week by the news of three outbreaks in the northern province of Huesca, with the affected areas reverted to Phase 2. Caution at the arrival of outsiders is understandable and may prove the difference between freedom and a return to lockdown.
Time for closure AS each day goes past the suspicions mount that paedophile Christopher Brueckner is to blame for the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The Olive Press has tracked down the jailed pervert’s former ‘best friend’ Michael Tatschl who has given editor Jon Clarke a chilling insight into the mind of the serial offender. It is a sobering testimony into the depravity of a criminal mind that makes us sleep a little easier in bed knowing that this monster is safely locked up behind bars. But that is not enough. Answers are needed so that Maddie’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, can at least know what happened and perhaps rest a little easier themselves. Tatschl is convinced that Brueckner is guilty. If he truly is and if he has any conscious at all then Brueckner should heed his former friend’s words. “I really hope they can finally close this case for the family and find Christian guilty for what he has done. He needs to admit it to the police and close it for good.”
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Finca fiend
June 25th - July 8th 2020
‘I know he snatched Maddie,’ says former traveller friend, who spent months with him in the Algarve and southern Spain
A
DANGEROUS paedophile linked to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann spent long periods of time in southern Spain, the Olive Press can reveal. Convicted rapist Christian Brueckner was a regular visitor to the Alpujarras area of Granada, where he bought and sold drugs. The Olive Press has discovered that the German sex offender, 43, would frequently stop en route to Portugal
By Jon Clarke, in Orgiva or Germany, in his various buses or vans. And chillingly, he was seen in the area with an expensive new Winnebago just weeks after the toddler went missing from Portugal in May 2007. “He was there in various vans and he came many times in his Jaguar,”
said his close friend Michael ‘Micha’ Tatschl, 46, who lived in the town of Orgiva for many years. Austrian Tatschl - who had previously shared a home with him on the Algarve - told the Olive Press: “I am sure he snatched Maddie. I know he did it. He was a pervert and a very strange man.” The carpenter and petty criminal, who spent eight months in prison with Brueckner, knew the German well and
To catch a predator
How the Olive Press traced Maddie McCann suspect to sleepy inland village - and potentially cracked open the case
I
COULDN’T help but get the chills drivBy Laurence Dollimore ing late at night along the pitch black on the Algarve roads around the inland village of Barao de Sao Joao. Were these silent trails used by Christian Brueckner to transport Madeleine Mc- the village provided another clue to what Cann to his lair back in May 2007? Was is likely a silent epidemic in these parts. the three-year-old alive... was she crying “Every Friday there’s a huge ‘pizza party’ for her parents? in a field near here and I’ve seen everyIt doesn’t bear thinking about, but it’s thing there. hard not to imagine the worst while “There’s heroin and every drug you can re-tracing the steps of potentially one of imagine, this week I watched a teenage Europe’s most dangerous paedophiles. girl gyrate and kiss a man in his 60s, it We had arrived in the Algarve earlier that was pretty weird.” day after police in Germany sensation- And then there was the ‘wanted man’, ally announced Brueckner as the main with a €50,000 reward on his head, who suspect in the case. he saw at the party the previous night. With a press pack growing rapidly in our “And there was this couple walking wake, we visited two of the convicted around stark naked who simply squatted paedophile’s former homes, one in Praia and peed wherever they wanted.” da Luz and one in Monte Judeu, which is Such parties would have definitely ata few miles from the ‘alternative’ com- tracted Brueckner, who is said to have munity of Barao de Sao Joao and just befriended a ‘hippy flower-seller’ from 13 minutes from where Maddie was the village and who was a known drug snatched in 2007. dealer. Then living out of his distinctive West- However, placing Brueckner anywhere falia van, having been evicted from his can be a tall order, not only because of rental home in Luz, while spending eight the time that has passed, but because months in prison, Brueckof the mostly hostile locals ner knew the area like the who don’t want to tarnish back of his hand. “There’s heroin their slice of paradise, We soon learnt how the while the majority still think and every area is the quintessential the parents are responsimecca for so-called ‘van-lifble. drug you can ers’, who, for whatever moAs a man who now lives tivation, live out of camper imagine, it was above the Ocean Club vans, of all descriptions, apartment where Maddie pretty weird” travelling from town to stayed tells us: “The Mctown. Canns are hated around While many are genuhere. When they put up ine and enjoy the off-the-grid lifestyle, posters everywhere for the 10th anniverthere’s no doubt it provides the perfect sary they were all torn down or covered cover (as do the communities around Or- in paint,” he chuckled. giva, in the Alpujarras region of Granada) But after reaching out to around 30 exfor monsters and criminals like Brueck- pats on various Facebook groups, on the ner, who began his reign of terror at aged off chance that someone knew Brueck17, when he molested a six-year-old girl ner and actually wanted to help, we got a in Germany. hit. A German woman told us he became “There are some very strange people pals with a British expat while living in a around here,” explained former yacht village named Foral in 2007, JUST AFTER dealer Jim, who works at the charming Maddie vanished. Monte Rosa guesthouse, in Barao. We headed there at first light and got He told us about a Dutchman, who had knocking on doors. After getting the cold been beaten to death in his bed just two shoulder from a few Brits, it was an elweeks earlier over a heroin deal gone derly German couple who were all too wrong - while one man covered in injec- keen to help. tion marks and bruises drew out cash in Talking slowly and worried about the
HIDEAWAY: The home in Foral, Portugal, where ramifications, they revealed how they had seen his distinctive Westfalia parked outside nearby Villa Bianca while staying with his longtime German friend Nicole Fehlinger, who rented the property from 2002 to 2009. They couldn’t believe the police had never been in town and their story was confirmed by the owner, Lia Silva, who alarmingly revealed how Nicole was running a ‘rehabilitation programme for troubled teenagers’ - one of whom ran away and became pregnant at 15. More mysterious was her partner Romano, described as ‘extremely nasty’, and the drugs and needles found in the villa when they were finally evicted after five year of failing to pay rent, leading to various court cases. It was very intriguing and we were a step ahead of the chasing pack. Once the cat was out of the bag, locals became very helpful as the world’s media descended on the tiny village following our story in the Mail on Sunday. The following week Nicole’s father confirmed to us that Brueckner had a huge Winnebago which he told the former ambulance driver, he had transported drugs and children in. “As I looked inside, I asked him: ‘Herr Brueckner, what do you do in Portugal? What is your job?’ He told me: ‘I work, I get money, because I have a special business. “He told me: ‘I can transport children, kids, in this space. Drugs and children, you can transport them in this van, it’s a safe space in the van, nobody can find them. Nobody can catch you.’” He clearly wanted to be caught.
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June 24th - July 7th 2020
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DARK SECRET: Idyllic scene visited by Maddie suspect in his Winnebago (inset)
lived with him for years. The pair even shared a run-down finca in Praia da Luz, which overlooked the seaside resort where Maddie was snatched. He knew Christian was an excellent bur-
e Christian Brueckner often stayed The vehicle - which the Olive Press has now also placed in Granada a few weeks after Maddie went missing - was later found on land Brueckner owned in Brunswick, northern Germany, in May 2016. Police had been investigating the disappearance of five-year-old Inga Gehricke - referred to as the ‘German Maddie’ - which Brueckner is also suspected of. Now being probed over five missing youngsters, investigators found several items of children’s clothing, including ‘small swimsuits’ in the motorhome, while six memory sticks containing thousands of images of child abuse were discovered in a bag buried underneath the body of a dead dog. But as more comes out about Brueckner’s lifestyle in the area, the search continues for the ever-elusive smoking gun. The concrete evidence which proves definitively that Brueckner was responsible for Maddie’s disappearance. The biggest question is whether or not the toddler was transported out of Portugal, potentially to order, which is looking extremely likely going on our recent investigation in Orgiva this week. What is clear is that there is still more to unravel in this case, and it seems to be up to us journalists to close the circle on Brueckner, with the police either incapable or refusing to act. We can only hope that the smoking gun still exists, and that we haven’t arrived too late.
glar, who stole hundreds of passports, and they even got convicted together for stealing fuel from lorries in 2006. After a two-day grilling by German police last year, he expected an arrest to be ‘imminent’ and he ‘cannot believe’ Portuguese detectives have still not yet searched the former home they shared. The father-of-one, who now lives near Graz, revealed that the German had a huge stash of cash hidden in the attic, as well as dozens of expensive watches. Speaking for the first time, he revealed: “I know he did it. I was living with him at the time. He was my best friend and he was definitely a pervert and more than capable of snatching a child, for sexual kicks or money. “I was staying at his house and camping in a van in the garden. We spent a lot of time together and had good fun. “He had a German girlfriend who was at least 20 years older than him. I can’t remember her name but she lived a few miles out of town. “He was always very smart and snappy in the way he dressed. He always had good shoes and sometimes even wore a suit to go out. But while Micha had fun hanging out with the German, he became aware of his dark side. “He was definitely quite a strange character... how to explain it? Well he was always quite criminal... He liked to brag about the crimes he had done and planned to do... And how he aimed to steal as much money as he could until he reached his dream of having €1 million. Then he would stop.” Talking by phone at his ex-girlfriend’s home in the village of Tablones, near Orgiva, he added: “It was rich pickings there in Praia da Luz. He was always breaking into apartments in the area and bragging about it to me... He was a very good burglar. “He particularly liked European Championships or big football games when ev-
PAL: Michael Tatschl
eryone would be out watching the game in bars. “He would climb up to the first floor and steal everything, lots of money, valuables and so many passports. In fact hundreds of passports and lots of Rolexes and other expensive watches. “He had a hiding place in the house in the rafters. He had all the money and passports hidden up there. “It was his stash and when we were taken to prison, he ordered a friend to go and clear it up and get rid of any evidence of burglaries or robberies.” But it was this decision that may ultimately lead to his conviction over Maddie, as the friend and another mate, both German, found a series of sick videos that Christian kept there. In particular, they found a video camera with a video of him raping an old woman. “That’s how I found out he was a sick bastard, as they told me it was of this elderly lady who was chained to a wooden post and she was being beaten and raped. “They said ‘hey Mika what should we do with this?’ I said ‘I really don’t know, I don’t want to see it’ and I think they ended up burning it. “I told the police all about that story and I hope they verified it somehow. “On top of that, Christian was always on the dark web. He would talk about it and always had internet in the houses he rented. I don’t know exactly what he did but I suspect it involved drugs and pornography. “He was always bragging about money and making money. He even talked about selling kids maybe to Morocco...and I think he probably sold Maddie to someone. Maybe a sex ring. “I didn’t really think about it at the time. Just brushed it off as joking. But I admit I got sucked into some of his schemes. “Taking fuel seemed pretty harmless and we did it for a few months. “The cops caught us red handed, caught us stealing diesel and we got 8-and-a-half months in prison on remand waiting for a trial in Portimao. “We were caught on April 7, 2006, but we didn’t have our actual trial until December 21. I don’t know why they kept us for so long and I ended up with a €1800 fine, while Christian got a little bit more as he was rude to the judge.” After spending a few weeks back in Austria for Christmas he came back in February to find Christian was now living in his distinctive white and yellow VW van, having lost his rental home. “But he was still enjoying living in the Praia da Luz area. I think that confused the police a little as they were not sure where he
ALTERNATIVE: Lifestyle in hippie enclave visited by Brueckner was living exactly when Maddie vanished. knew immediately that he was guilty. The “He was living free, going to raves and part where the female tourist talked about I think selling drugs to the local party the man turning up at her door while her crowd. He also had his Jaguar parked up child played by the front door, the creepy somewhere.” guy with acne and blonde hair... I just Micha however, decided to move back to knew it was Christian.” Spain, partly because he hadn’t paid his It is a bit unclear what happened next but fine and also to attend the Dragon Festival within weeks there was a knock at the in Orgiva in March that year. door at his village near Graz and four po“The Dragon Festival was fun and the licemen asked him to escort them to the next time I saw him was in late May or police station. early June 2007 when he arrived in Spain “It was the first week of April last year and with his big American campervan, the there were two Austrian police and two Winnebago, the one with the (childrens’) German police. I told them my story over swimsuits. 14 hours from 10 am to 6 pm on the first “He parked it up in Orgiva and came look- day and then from 10 am until 4 pm the ing for me. It was the only reason he had next day. They were very clear with me come to Orgiva to find me. He knew that from the first minute. They said ‘we are inI was living there and he knew I had con- vestigating Maddie McCann and Christian nections to the marijuana Brueckner’ and I told them world and could help him I was convinced it was him. make money. “I told them I know what “He had some “He had a big dog, an old you want. I hope I can help. dog, a big brown and white sexual issues “I just dread to think of dog called Charlie I think... what other crimes he may but we didn’t But otherwise he was on have committed since. his own.” “He was definitely a perthink he liked There were certainly susvert and all his friends picions however, about young children” thought that about him. He where he had got his monhad some sexual issues ey. but we didn’t think that he “We all wondered where liked young children. he’d got this big expensive van which he “He was certainly in Orgiva quite a few parked up next to a French group who had times since then...many times with his a big sound system. Jaguar and other vehicles and normally “I remember specifically having a conver- transporting hashish. sation with an English guy who lived there “What sort of crimes might he have comcalled ‘Pops’ and we both said how on mitted there? I know there have been earth could have had that vehicle? Where some sex crimes around the area over the did he get the money from? We assumed last decade and it wouldn’t be surprising if a big drug deal or something like that. he was involved. Now I suspect it was Maddie. “I really hope they can finally close this “He was only there that time for a couple case for the family and find Christian guilty of days and went on back to Germany sell- for what he has done. He needs to admit it ing marijuana. to the police and close it for good. “After that he was often coming back- “At least I’m sure he’s having a terrible wards and forwards to Spain and to Por- time in prison and everyone is out to kill tugal, mostly dealing drugs, and we often him. He won’t be having a nice life now saw him here with this Jaguar.” and he doesn’t deserve it.” It was only when Micha watched the indepth Netflix documentary in March last Did you see Christian Brueckner in year on the case, that he finally realised southern Spain? Did he camp near you Christian may have snatched Maddie. “I in the Alpujarras or the Costa del Sol?
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NEWS
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June 25th - July 8th 2020
Wish you were here
Benidorm ready for Brit tourism influx, writes Joshua Parfitt
OP QUICK Crossword Across 7 Incomparable (6) 8 Tidy (6) 9 Small wind-powered vessel (7,4) 11 Watch over (5) 12 Tract of grassland (7) 15 Elaborate dance party (7) 16 Tender (5) 18 Tube (11) 21 Reflecting surface (6) 22 Agriculturist (6)
HE beaches are open, the beer is on tap, but where are the Brits in Benidorm? Budget flights have resumed to Alicante Airport following the end of Spain’s state of alarm last Saturday midnight. But as these exclusive Olive Press photographs show, Benidorm’s English Square is empty, and the dam-busting return of tourism has turned out to be a trickle. “Without the Brits, Benidorm is dead,” said Tracey Walker, the owner of Little Britannia in the old town. She told the Olive Press at least two British-run bars on her street have already closed since the start of lockdown, and that many more will ‘disappear’ if tourism doesn’t return in July. “We opened the second week in June to see how business would go, but it was horrendous,” she said. “I had to resell the stock and shut up shop because we were working at a loss. “In Spain we have all adhered to the strict state of alarm rules. We deserve the return of tourism, and we need the Brits to come back.” Other bar owners were more
Photos by Dave Proctor
T
READY: Looking out for tourists to arrive
TRY AGAIN: Tracey Walker, right, says Benidorm needs Brits tentative, however – co-owner of the 3B48 Soul and Cabaret Bar, Dell, told the Olive Press that FCO warnings against travel to Spain would ‘nullify travel insurance’. He said the two-week quarantine for UK tourists returning from Spain remains a ‘major obstacle’ to tourism. Among the lucky few were three NHS workers, who took the first UK flight to Alicante from Leeds Bradford Airport at 9am last Saturday. “We’ve been tested for coronavirus every two weeks, so
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All solutions are on page 14
CHEERS!: Mike Golden and pals enjoy a drink
we can skip quarantine,” Julie Bloom, 61, told the Olive Press from outside Winnie’s Cafe Bar. “We just wanted to get away, and we’ve enjoyed it. The beach is empty and the whole English strip is closed, so we have Benidorm to ourselves!” Julie, holidaying with fellow workers Sylvia Riley, 60, and Andrea Harrison, 59, said she felt Spain was ‘safer than the UK’ due a stricter and earlier lockdown. How long this lasts remains the biggest question hanging over Benidorm’s empty beachfronts.
LA CULTURA
Out of the bunker
A CROWD-FUNDING project has been launched to get Torrevieja singer-songwriter, Shani Ormiston, back into the recording studio, after years without laying down new tracks. She’s already reached half of her target, with the potential of Ormiston staging an intimate 90-minute concert for up to 50 people. Her mini-album, currently in the pipeline, will be called Bunker and will feature songs penned by her during the coronavirus crisis. The EP comes five years after the international recognition given to Shani over her CD, Once Upon a Time, which won the ‘Best Pop Album’ award at the Akademia Music Awards in California, which focus on independent music. Two years ago the same awards gave her the ‘Best Pop
what’s on Friday 26 June TORREVIEJA, The Inn Plaice (Torreta) - Nikki Nock, karaoke DJ and vocalist QUESADA, Aurora Bar & Lounge, 7pm - Elvis Tribute Night with Danny Fisher
Do you have a what’s on? Send your informa tion to newsdesk@theolivepr ess.es
June 25th - July 8th 2020
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A survivor’s tale The story of a Spaniard who escaped English clutches
Song’ accolade for You Gotta Let it Go, and she has been a five-time winner over the years in the ‘Hollywood Music in Media’ awards. Shani has also performed in Spain, Italy, Belgium, the UK, and has shared the stage with Latin singer Quique Montes and a break-out act from Spain’s version of The Voice, Alex Escribano.
THE incredible survival story of a Spanish Armada captain is to be re-told in a new film. Captain Francisco de Cuellar was one of the few Spanish sailors to survive when three ships of the Spanish Armada sank off the coast of Sligo in Ireland. His dramatic escape to Londonderry (Derry), on to Scotland and eventually back home to Spain has been told in Armada 1588: Shipwreck and Survival. Produced by the Sligo community group, Spanish Armada Ireland, the film’s virtual release casts further light on the era of the Armada, the Nine Years’ War and Donegal chieftain, Red Hugh O’Donnell. Spanish Armada Ireland
chairman, Eddie O’Gorman said the new film was based on the words of its hero, de Cuellar. Up to 1,000 Spaniards were slain by British-backed forces on the Irish coast, but de Cuellar managed to miraculously escape. During the following seven months, he was robbed, assaulted and humiliated before coming under the protection of Gaelic chieftains, O’Rourke and MacClancy. O’Gorman told the Irish News: “De Cuellar was essentially forced to roam the countryside naked, having been robbed of his clothes, before being found by O’Rourke of Breffni and MacClancy of Rosscloghar.” The Spanish captain eventually made his way to Lon-
donderry (Derry), where the bishop, Redmond Gallagher secured passage for him and his 12 countrymen for Scotland. From there he managed to escape to Spain, while writing an account of his adventures, despite suffering another shipwreck.
“The letter was essentially the first draft of his defence back to the King of Spain in his court martial and the film is based on that,” O’Gorman said.
QUESADA, The Marquee Bar, 5pm - Music Quiz and karaoke with Bryan & Sybil ALGORFA, Chandelier Sports & Entertainment Bar, 8.30pm. Dan Davy sings Saturday 27 June QUESADA, Bombay Grill, 8pm - Paula Molina, singer and live entertainer
ALGORFA, Chandelier Sports & Entertainment Bar, 8.30pm. Diane Diaz sings PINOSO, Bar Gabriels, 7.30pm. Magenta Sliperz. LA ZENIA, CC’s Bar,8pm - Bee Rumble, Motown Queen TORREVIEJA, Miso Bar, 8pm - Nikki Nock, karaoke DJ and vocalist
Sunday 28 June QUESADA, Aurora Bar & Lounge - Chloe Leigh sings Motown, Country, Rock, Disco & Soul CAMPOAMOR, The Champagne Bar, 6pm. Live music all night QUESADA, La Taberna, 8pm - Paula Molina, singer and live
entertainer LO CRISPIN, Lo Crispin Tavern, 9pm - Sunday NIght Quiz incl. Play Your Cards Right LA MARINA, Chiefs on Broadway, 6pm - One Love Reggae Party LA MARINA, Mayas Bar, 2pm - Bee Rumble, Motown Queen Monday 29 June
TORREVIEJA, The Thirsty Boot, 7pm - Nikki Nock, karaoke DJ and vocalist Tuesday 30 June ALGORFA, La Vista Bar & Lounge (La Finca), 10.30am. “Eat, Drink & Shrink” slimming classes with Karen QUESADA, La Vida Sunset Bar, 7pm. Karaoke Night
SONGS: Shani Ormiston
SCENE: Streedagh Strand where Armada ships sank
See Spain’s reluctant armada admiral, on page 10
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LA CULTURA
Disputed archive throws fascinating insight on the man behind Spain’s plans to invade England
A
BATTLE is raging for control of a treasure trove of some of Spain’s most historic documents. At stake is the fate of the Duke of Medina Sidonia’s archive foundation – which is not actually controlled by the duke. Instead it is in the hands of the lesbian widow of his mother, who was known as the Red Duchess for her left-wing leanings. The duke is taking legal action to take control of the unique archive, which houses six million documents dating back to 1159. They offer a fascinating insight into the New World uncovered by conquistadores, the expulsion of Moriscos – descendants of Muslims who had converted to Christianity – from Spain and a privileged view of the political machinations behind the Spanish Armada. This disastrous attempt to invade England in 1588 was famously led by Alonso Perez du Guzman, the seventh Duke of Medina Sidonia. The archive shows that he took on the job with some reluctance, perhaps nervous of facing the formidable Queen Elizabeth. He was the richest feudal landowner in Spain and had served King Philip II in several military
June 25th - July 8th 2020
June 25th - July 8th 2020
Spain’s reluctant armada admira
RED DUCHESS: Ceded control of estate to lover
campaigns. But his talent lay in administration rather than as a battlefield leader. Philip had put him in charge of preparing the invasion, with Alvaro de Bazan, the
By Dilip Kuner
Marques de Santa Cruz, tasked with commanding the fleet. When de Bazan died soon be-
fore the invasion was launched, Philip decided du Guzman should take command. The archive contains the letter Philip sent to the duke ordering him to take the post, and more interestingly the reply. Du Guzman’s reluctance was obvious. He emphasised his lack of military experience on land or at sea. He also complained of poor health, and, in perhaps a last desperate throw of the dice to escape his duty, he highlighted his tendency to suffer from seasickness. But Philip was having none of it and insisted that du Guzman
take the post - and the rest, as they say, is history. Now du Guzman’s descendant, the 64-year-old 22nd duke, Alonso González de Gregorio, is himself fighting a battle with a formidable female as his foe, and this one has lasted a lot longer than the sorry saga of the armada. His mother, Luisa Isabel Alvarez de Toledo y Maura, died in 2008. She had recently married her longterm lover, German-born Liliane Dahlmann. In a final snub to Spanish society the rebellious
duchess had installed Dahlmann as head of the foundation in control of the archive as well as leaving her the entire estate. After a 10-year legal battle the duke, his younger brother and sister succeeded in gaining ownership of the estate. But 64-year-old Dahlmann retained the right to live in the 12th century ancestral pile in
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For the latest news and information, find us on Facebook IRON LADY: Liliane Dahlmann, the Red Duchess’ widow is not for turning, as she still presides over the archive of the Duke of Medina Sidonia, despite a legal battle with his descendant
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have obtained your Spanish residency card, you then move to exchange your EU/British Driving License for a Spanish one. That licence swap is part of the law, and so if you get stopped by the police, you’ll have the Spanish driving licence, opposed to a driving licence from a foreign country that the police officer might not be familiar with. Sun Lawyers will sort out the residencia application through all the various stages and keep to a bare minimum what you must do.
You should apply for a Spanish residency card if:
You want to use the Spanish healthcare system
• You spend more than 90 days in Spain • You want to be legal in Spain • You want to have healthcare in Spain
There is no free healthcare in Spain, and all costs must be covered one way or another, though emergencies are universally covered. There are two main categories here: Limited and temporary healthcare in Spain. This must be done through the EHIC health card, but this does not include ongoing treatments. Permanent all-inclusive healthcare in Spain. One essential requirement to qualify is to have Spanish residency, in order to get a SIP card.
You want to be legal in Spain We want to help you become legal in Spain and bring you peace of mind, as doing everything according to Spanish rules can only bring benefits. As an example, as a British person permanently resident in Spain, once you
By Alex Trelinski
TOP Spanish supermarket chain, Mercadona, is steaming ahead with €1.7 billion of
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have been extremely busy during lockdown as it became necessary, due to the new distancing laws, to relocate some offices. I had already moved one of the offices in the Javea Port to the Arenal (near Michaels Bed Shop). Two offices in the south had to be moved, and the Benijofar office had to temporarily move due to major works being carried out. However, even though there has been a vast amount of organisation and energy involved, we have always been there for you, with staff working from home. I am very excited to have opened the last office in Murcia, in the location I was seeking, the square in Los Alcazares, in what used to be the Tourist Information office. It is a very unique building. This means that, in less than two weeks, we would have all returned back to offices and the new normal. Spending vast amounts of time in your home recently, you have had plenty of time to check your insurance policies. The first obvious check is to be able to read it in English. If it is with a Spanish company or bank, they do not offer a comprehensive expat policy, making it a good idea to seek a quote from my company. Liberty Seguros have very recently updated their policies, with optional increases in cover for home insurance. Having discovered, from a huge fire in Javea,
Getting your residency
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June 25th - July 8th 2020
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investments this year, despite seeing profits slashed due to the coronavirus emergency. Mercadona president, Juan Roig, said that the company will not change its plans, which include opening new stores and revamping existing stores. The company is plotting a major expansion across Portugal, while domestic investments will see €35 million pumped into the Murcia region over the next 12 months, including three new stores. Mercadona saw profits of €5 million in March – just 5% of expected profits – as extensive health measures and changes to its stores were made to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Mercadona rival, Consum, is also rolling out a traffic-light sensor system at its 450 outlets that will tell shoppers when they can enter their stores. That has cost €2.5 million to install, while Mercadona said its full package of safety plans has added up to €100 million by the end of April. Lockdown travel restrictions also saw shoppers having to use different supermarkets with brand consultants Kantar reporting a rare fall for Mercadona in sales share up to midMay. Though the chain was still Spain’s largest at 24.9% of sales, that was a fall of 0.6% compared to the first five months of last year.
PROPERTY
Spain’s newbuilds may escape worst of crisis, but homes being sold on to be hit harder
June 25th - July 8th 2020
Resale gloom RESALE property prices in Spain’s tourist areas face a short-term drop of over 10% cent due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has emerged. That’s the assessment of
By Alex Trelinski
Mikel Echavarran, CEO, of property investment company, Colliers International
Cowboys of Congress TWO key politicians in the Vox party have again been caught marketing illegal apartments in Madrid without disclosing the properties’ official planning status. Four new apartments now make a list of 18 dwellings that were advertised on the design studio website of current Vox leader in Madrid, Rocio Monasterio, and her husband Ivan Espinosa de los Monteros (bottom left), the party’s spokesman in congress. The first of the apartments came to light nine months ago following an El Pais investigation, before Monasterio and Espinosa de los Monteros shut their website down and refused to comment directly on allegations. At least one former resident – three of the 18 apartments remain occupied – accused the couple of promising planning permission before ‘disappearing’. The politicians have responded via a spokesperson that ‘the clients signed contracts specifying the buildings were not houses’. They added that any move to live permanently in the buildings was the ‘clients’ own choice’.
Spain. Experts believe that the crisis will not have any major impact on new-build prices and construction. However, Echavarran believes that home sellers in areas like Mallorca, the Costa Blanca, and Andalucia will have to be prepared to deal with a double-digit fall in prices.
Recovery
LOFTY: Vox politicians’ Madrid flats But the pair did not comment on why their website advertised the residences complete with bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces. Spain’s state prosecution service, La Fiscalia, is reportedly investigating Monasterio for a crime of falsifying work permits. According to the relevant property registry, the apartments and ‘lofts’ are classed as warehouses, garages and other non-residential buildings. The latest four added to the list are all based in the popular neighbourhoods of Tetuan and Fuencarral.
“Prices will continue on a downward curve until early next year at the least,” said Echavarran. “Everything will then depend on how the economy recovers and whether or not there is a serious increase in coronavirus cases during the winter.” The Colliers long-term assessment of the overall property market is not the most optimistic either. Echavarran added: “We are working on the basis of at least a 30% fall in sales this year” It goes on to say: “The full recovery of the market could take as long as four to five years.” Other analysts believe a recovery will be much faster compared to when the property bubble ‘burst’ in Spain back in 2007.
THE number of new mortgage appraisals carried out in Spain in the early months of 2020 was higher than the previous two years, it has emerged. Before business was hit by the coronavirus, figures released by AEV España show that 246,000 appraisals had been made between January and mid-March, which is an annual rise of 6.32%, after the previous year had seen a dramatic fall of almost 19%. AEV specialises in producing independent economic cost and value analysis reports and its general secretary, Paloma Arnaiz, admitted that the survey period ended before
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Mortgage musings COVID-19 restrictions hit the country. “The mortgage sector was looking really encouraging with a year-on-year rise in appraisals before Spain introduced the State of Alarm in mid-March”, said Arnaiz. The latest official mortgage figures come from the Association of Spanish Notaries, which looks at April, which was fully into lockdown measures.
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COLUMNISTS
June 25th - July 8th 2020
Lockdown Laughs As confinement comes to an end, I’ll miss the jokers in this Covid comedy of errors, writes Giles Brown
Although the lockdown period did impose significant restrictions on each and every one of us, there were some lighter moments. I spent the past three months providing daily COVID-19 updates – and there were some stories that made me smile. Monty Python had a famous sketch called ‘The Upper Class Twit of the
YOU may have been too scared to venture outside over the past few months, even for life’s basic necessities. If you’re an expat, you’ve probably been holed up with another expat who may be starting to grate on your nerves a tad, especially if the conversation is limited to the price of Mercadona’s mince or your neighbours’ shocking disregard for social distancing. What better time to throw off the COVID-19 shackles and launch into a conversation in another language, even if it does have to be at two metres distance from behind a surgical mask! It’s never too late to start and Spaniards are generally very forgiving as long as you at least give it a shot. From this moment on, you will no longer raise your voice in English when being misunderstood, but instead will calmly explain,
Year’ and Belgian Prince Joachim proved that upper class twits were alive and well and living in Brussels when he decided to visit Spain during the pandemic. Obviously deciding that Crown Heads of State were immune to coronavirus (Insert your own ‘let them wear masks’ joke here) he regally decided to disobey the quar-
A lot of wind As lockdown eases it’s time to get out and shoot the breeze, even if it’s only hot air, writes Charlie Smith ‘estoy aprendiendo español’. Conversation-wise, the British have more in common with the Spanish than you might think – weather being a particularly hot topic. And in Spain you shoot the breeze about exactly that. The country has several different types of wind, including ‘poniente’ and ‘levante’. Learn them and start up some stellar viento chat with your neighbours.
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UPPER CLASS TWIT: The Monty Python-esque Prince Joachim
antine requirements and, after landing in Madrid, caught a high speed train to Cordoba. (I do have a slight
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You’re probably already aware of the classic ‘hace calor’, ‘sí mucho’ exchange by now. But with the Charlie Smith spectacular sunshine at the moment, you can mix it up a bit and tell people just how much you are sweating. “Estoy criando pollos,” was the brilliant phrase uttered by my exasperated Andalucian flatmate this week as he stumbled in from the heat. It literally translates as ‘I am raising chickens’ and is used when it’s so hot that your clothes are sticking to you. Of course, weather is just one way into a conversation, as is ‘trabajas o estudias?’ – a fairly lame expression you might hear at the bar. But then again the key is having a go, and you have the opportunity to show up the holidaying Brits set to descend on these shores over the coming weeks.
Summer
After arriving with only ‘hola’ and ‘gracias’ two years ago I can now converse fairly comfortably with the police, the town hall and the bank. These days I am taught by the wonderful Carola at Millinguals in Estepona, although I respect that not everyone can afford lessons. The internet has a wealth of Spanish resources – listen to the Coffee Break Spanish and Duolingo podcasts to get your speaking up to scratch. Now that shops have reopened, get a Spanish children’s book and for a more formal dose of español, read the Spanish papers. There’s often a good classic Spanish film or two on TV at the weekend to pick up some old-school Castellano. TVE’s Españoles en el mundo is also an easy watch, while there is La Casa de Papel for drama, as well as Spain’s equivalents of Masterchef and First Dates for lighter viewing. Get swatting up for summer!
bit of sympathy for the hapless Belgian as it turns out his girlfriend is from Cordoba, and the ancient city has long had a reputation for the dusky beauty of its women.) Unfortunately for the Prince and his beloved who were in town to party, after the social gathering, he awoke not only with (we imagine) a Champagne-induced hangover, but also having contracted the virus and a fine of over €10,000 on top. A right royal rollicking must have duly ensued. Meanwhile, Spaniards were also coming up with creative ways to leave the house. One man was videoed by police taking out the rubbish in a fancy dress T-Rex costume. I can only imagine that was his own version of PPE – Prehistoric Predator Equipment. And while you were allowed to take your pets for a walk, police also stopped people taking sheep, hens and, in one case, a toy dog on
Discovered sitting on a bench with his pet goldfish (in its bowl) wheels, for walkies. To top the lot, there was the genius in Logroño who was discovered sitting on a bench with his pet goldfish (in its bowl). The beauty of this plan was that goldfish only have seven-second memories – so the fish wouldn’t know if it had been out that day at all… But the best story of all concerned the newscaster Alfonso Merlos who, like many of his media colleagues, was forced to broadcast live from his living room. The proverbial hit the fan when a half-naked woman casually sauntered by in the background. As if that wasn’t embarrassing enough, the young lady in question turned out to be fellow journalist Alexia Rivas, rather than his then high-profile girlfriend, Spanish Big Brother contestant Marta López. Rivas later claimed that Merlos had told her that he was newly single, a fact that was news to López. Not surprisingly the reality star swiftly dumped the caddish anchorman, but not until after some very public mud-slinging. Makes me glad that I work in radio. At least the public don’t get to see the half of what goes on in the background when I broadcast…
OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword Across: 7 Unique, 8 Neaten, 9 Sailing boat, 11 Guard, 12 Prairie, 15 Shindig, 16 Offer, 18 Underground, 21 Mirror, 22 Farmer. Down: 1 And, 2 Squadron, 3 Deals, 4 Ensnare, 5 Daub, 6 Relatives, 10 Authentic, 13 Infantry, 14 Piggery, 17 Comfy, 19 Earl, 20 Leo.
SUDOKU
B
Y the time you read this, Spain will have bravely stepped into the ‘New Normal’. To be honest, I have had enough trouble adjusting to the ‘Old Normal’ since the mid-80s, but I blame that on moving from Stoke-on-Trent to Marbella without a suitable quarantine period.
SPORT
Football focus
AS La Liga returns to Spanish TV screens, the President of Spain’s top flight has issued a reminder on football’s economic importance. Javier Tebas was speaking at the Spanish Companies Leading the Future (EELF) Corporate Summit. He said: “La Liga clubs, like any other business, have owners who risk their assets to create not only entertainment but also wealth for Spain and its citizens. “Sport generates 2% of Spanish GDP, of which LaLiga accounts for 1.37%, 185,000 jobs and €4.1 billion in tax revenue.”
Engines ready ANDALUCIA’S premier Superbike event will return to Jerez from July 31 to August 2, organisers have said. The 2020 World Superbike season is a huge annual event for the city, with the second round of racing to be held at the Circuito de Jerez. English Kawasaki rider Alex Lowes is top of the table after the first round, some 12 points clear of fellow Englishman, Scott Redding. After Jerez the series will move onto Portugal’s Algarve.
June 25th - July 8th 2020
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Cost-a-lotti Everton and former Real Madrid boss Ancelotti latest La Liga star indicted for tax fraud CARLO Ancelotti has been accused of tax fraud in Spain. The Everton manager, 61, is alleged to owe more than €1 million in taxes. This charge revolves around image rights tax that the Italian should have paid during his time as Real Madrid boss in the 2014-15
season. The Madrid Community Prosecutor's office claimed he was ‘intending to avoid his tax duties towards the public treasury with no justification’. In order for a prosecution to go ahead, a judge will have to accept the case before eventually summoning him.
lotta footy THE Champions League will be completed in Lisbon as part of a ‘final eight’ format, UEFA has announced. Europe’s top tier competition was suspended mid-March, with half of the last-16 matches still to be played. Those games are planned for August 7-8, but UEFA has not decided whether the
matches will be played at home grounds or at neutral venues. The quarter-finals will then follow every day from August 12-15 at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz Sporting’s Estadio Jose Alvalade. The semi-finals will take place on August 18 and 19, with the final on August 23, which had been due to be played in Istanbul.
Ancelotti spent two seasons with the Galacticos, from 2013 to 2015, taking charge of 119 games, with 89 wins across all competitions. He won four trophies with the club, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup. During his time with the Los Blancos, he also won the award for World’s Best Club Coach, by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS). Ancelotti could be the latest of several high-profile La Liga stars who have been found guilty of tax fraud. In recent years, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Marcelo, Javier Mascherano and most recently, Diego Costa, have all been found guilty of not declaring taxes in Spain. Ancelotti is yet to respond to the accusations.
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FINAL WORDS
MERCADONA has been forced to bring back its ‘pipas gigantes con sal’, after a Twitter storm over their removal, with many claiming they are a ‘grocery list essential’.
Melon-choly NUTRITIONISTS have warned that eating already-halved melons and watermelons could be unsafe as both fruits have to be refrigerated, otherwise microorganisms can grow.
Lifesaver ALMORADI Guardia Civil agents have saved the life of a Moroccan woman, 56, who was choking to death after her husband rushed her to the police station in a state of panic.
COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA FREE
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Vol. 1 Issue 17 www.theolivepress.es June 25th - July 8th 2020
Flour power EXCLUSIVE By Alex Trelinski
UK home bakers emulating their celebrity heroes during lockdown may be to blame for a severe ‘drop’ in British flour supplies to Spanish retailers. The huge demand for flour has seen exports fall, leaving expat cake makers to use Spanish equivalents. BARCELONA’S Liceu opera house reopened with a concert in front of a planted audience. Attendees didn’t need to bother with masks or gloves, or even maintain social distancing. On the other hand applause was muted as the attendees were restricted to 2,292 potted plants.
Expats vying to be lockdown’s star baker put strain on Spanish supermarkets
One former patissier told this paper however that locally-made equivalents are not ‘up to scratch’ for fluffy cakes and other British delicacies. A number of Spain-based stores told the Olive Press they’ve not been able to purchase any UK-produced flour,
Planted audience
while leading retailer Overseas Supermercados said they’ve had to reinforce their stocks. Caroline Bush from the Benissa HQ of Overseas Mercados – who stock Iceland products in 27 stores across Spain and Portugal – told the Olive Press that baking celebs could be to blame. “The UK, and everybody else for that matter, seem to be finding their inner Mary Berry and Jamie Oliver and are baking up a storm!” she said. “Flour is still being delivered here, but is being snapped up as soon as it hits the shelves.” A big issue in Spain for expat home bakers is that some domestically-produced supermarket flour is not of the same quality as British imports, which makes it
difficult to bake high quality cakes and pastries. Ex-pro patissier Stuart Greveson told the Olive Press: “Cheap Spanish flour in supermarkets is fine for bread, but the quality is just not up to scratch if you want to use it to make fluffy cakes for example. You need specialist bakers flour.” “Spanish flour has a much lower extraction rate of particles compared to UK products. That rate is the percentage of flour obtained from wheat, and that’s what makes the big difference in quality. “Also, the whiter the flour, the better it is and also it feels a lot finer, which does not apply to lower-grade Spanish flour. You also get twice as much salt in basic flour made here, along with more fat.”
A BUNGLING restorer has wrecked a 17th century painting not once but twice. The owner of the copy of The Immaculate Conception of Los Venerables by the baroque artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo was left regretting his decision to hand over €1,200 to have it spruced up. The private art collector in Valencia would probably have done better to pay a specialist to do the job rather than the furniture restorer he actually chose. Having botched his first attempt to renovate the picture the hapless restorer decided to have another go. This went no better with the ‘finished painting’ looking more like a police photofit image. The incident recalls the infamous ‘monkey Christ’ picture that hit international headlines in 2012. Cecilia Giménez, who was aged 81 at the time, was worried that a flaking and faded painting on her local church’s wall was in danger of being further damaged by a leak. Keen to save it she picked up her brushes to restore the 100-year-old image, only for it to end up looking more like a potato.