Mason Jones (Reporter)
Sean Connery has been ordered to answer questions about a Spanish property deal or face possible arrest.
The 82-year-old Scotsman and his wife, Micheline Roquebrune, have been given six months to cooperate with investigations into the sale of a villa in Marbella.
A probe was launched when the property, Casa Malibu, was sold by the couple in 1999 and later turned into 72 apartments.
However, prosecutors claim planning regulations only allowed a maximum of five apartments to be built on the site.
Connery and his wife cited old-age and poor health as reasons for failing to appear at a 2010 hearing, agreeing instead to answer a list of questions in writing.
Three years later the judge, who is still waiting for a response from the James Bond star, has now issued a six-month deadline.
Over 15 people, including former Marbella mayor Julian Munoz and ex-planning chief Juan Antonio Roca, face being tried in connection with the property.
Crimes being investigated in the case include money-laundering, planning violations and tax evasion.
Both Munoz and Roca are currently in jail on corruption charges.
The actor’s wife has previously denied any wrong-doing.
“These allegations of money-laundering are nonsense,” said Roquebrune.
“ We have nothing to do with this. We sold the property and that is it,” she added.
Another case of Spanish Govt trying to raise money for themselfs .They where happy to let everyone do what they liked back in the good old days ,turned a blind eye to this sort of thing ie {bluilding Regulations} .and banks lending money to every tom dick and harry for every and anything ..all the people in Govt sat back happy .now it all goes south its Oh you did not follow the rules ….There were no rules ..thats the way yous made it ..Spanish Govt should all be in jail themselfs .there the biggest criminals
Dear Moderator
Please remove my comment IMMEDIATELY submitted under “Readers Comments” relating to your piece on Sean Connery …
Thank you
Maria
lol, poor Maria.
Yes Fred, it’s almost as if Mrs. Reality had decided to join in.
I kinda sense there is fear here to speak up .well thats why you get pushed around ..fear of man is no good .
Well said Mr Parker.
By reading the Olivepress on and off for a few years, I notice i get a bit depressed by all the bad news from Spain. At least 95% is negative.Arent there any good things happening here that deserves attention?
Hi Robert
Fear of offending those who do not agree with my views is not an issue.
But submitting comments that may have even a tenuous connect to defamation or self incrimination is not smart.
Fearless. Yes Stupid. No
But your coded message of encouragement is much appreciated.
Love Maria
Maria,
Your statements:
“submitting comments that may have even a tenuous connect to defamation or self incrimination is not smart.”
and
“Stupid. No”
are contradictory lol.
I’m losing the thread. Who’s Mr. Parker Tom?
“By reading the Olivepress on and off for a few years, I notice i get a bit depressed by all the bad news from Spain”
Don’t read it then lol.
Some times you read things like you shouldnt, Like your stupid comments lol.
Helge: Yeah, there are some good things in Spain. Punch and Judy in the Olive Press for one.
@Helge, I don’t create the news. Btw, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery lol.
stefanjo – excellent comment – short, sharp and to the point beautifully.
This story is now over a week old. Anything current on it?
The Spanish system is reaping what it sowed.
I don’t blame Connery for dragging his feet – the Spanish should be happy to play the game as they’ve done the same with all the “illegal” properties that so many town halls gave licences to a few years back.