Lorraine Williamson
Frigiliana, one of Málaga’s best-known white villages and a popular destination for visitors staying around Nerja and the Axarquía, has been shaken by a major Guardia Civil investigation involving the town hall and other municipal locations. The operation, which took place on Tuesday, lasted for more than thirteen hours and was ordered by the court in Torrox.
The search began on Tuesday morning and continued until late at night. According to Spanish reports, officers gathered documents and other material from municipal offices, while the town hall remained closed to the public for the day. No arrests have been reported.
Seven people under investigation
Local media, citing judicial sources, report that seven people are now under investigation, including mayor Alejandro Herrero and members of the municipal government team. The court in Torrox is handling the case and is examining possible offences, including administrative misconduct, misuse of public funds, fraud in public contracting, influence peddling and criminal organisation.
In Spain, being formally investigated does not mean a person has been convicted or found guilty. It means the court is examining whether there is enough evidence for the case to move forward. The people named in the investigation retain the presumption of innocence.
The case appears to focus largely on municipal contracts and possible irregularities in public spending. Officers reportedly reviewed files from several council departments and made copies of documentation for later analysis.
Searches beyond the town hall
The investigation was not limited to the main town hall building. Spanish media reported that Guardia Civil officers also searched other municipal offices, as well as at least one private address and a hospitality business in the village.
The PSOE-run council has an absolute majority in Frigiliana. Herrero became mayor in 2017 after a motion of no confidence and has since governed the municipality with a stable majority.
After the searches became public, the PSOE in Málaga said it had learned of the operation through the media and called for caution and respect for the judicial investigation. The PP in Málaga, meanwhile, demanded transparency and said it had been warning for more than two years about alleged irregularities in local contracting and public money management. Vox also said it was following developments closely.
A village known far beyond Málaga
Frigiliana is one of the Axarquía’s most photographed villages, known for its whitewashed streets, flower-filled balconies, Moorish quarter and views towards the coast. It is also part of the official association Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España, which describes its historic centre as a protected historic-artistic site and highlights the Barribarto as one of the best-preserved old quarters in the province.
That makes the investigation especially striking for many residents and visitors. Frigiliana is often associated with day trips, tourism, heritage and the image of the classic Andalusian white village, rather than with a large-scale judicial inquiry.
Case now in the hands of the court
The investigation is still at an early stage, and the court will decide the next steps. The Guardia Civil has collected documentation and other material, which will now be examined as part of the judicial process.
At this stage, there have been no reported arrests and no final conclusions can be drawn. Further details are expected as those under investigation are called to give statements, and the court continues to assess the evidence.