Jacqueline Fanchini (Reporter)THE Alhambra €3.5 million fake ticket scam sees a network of 45 people accused of committing fraud between 2002 and 2005 at Spain’s most popular destination.
Granada’s public prosecutors are calling for prison sentences of four to nine years for the hotel workers, travel agents and staff from the Alhambra Palace who were allegedly involved.
They also want an additional €3.1 million to be paid by the defendants, for material damages to the site and for smearing its international image, on top of the €3.5 million they made from the scam.
Hoteliers and travel agents would take money from tourists then take them into the UNESCO World Heritage Site following deals made with the Moorish complex’s head of IT and two officials responsible for the transfer and safekeeping of tickets.
An estimated 50,000 tickets were distributed and a daily excess of about 50% of tourists were allowed in to the site which receives approximately 3 million visitors a year.
Is there anywhere, anything or anyone in Spain that is not corrupt?
Mike, amigo – for a small fee, I can introduce you to an honest man ;-)
I don’t think so Mike.
My word, such negative views. I hope such people don’t live in Spain. If so, it might be time to think of moving on.
There you go Mike, ask a sensible question and you have the “move back” brigade appearing. Where’s Derek? He only seems to stalk me lol.
You ARE back Fred. No need to move.
It is astounding the negative people on here Christopher. Most live in the uk!
To be able to shrug off a three and a half million rip-off means you have truly absorbed Spanish culture Derek.
Congratulations! You are now a native.
I summon him, and he appears lol. He is totally under my control.