Civil Guard officers carried out a court authorised search at Frigiliana Town Hall this morning, gathering documentation linked to suspected misconduct in public office and misappropriation of public funds under the direction of the Court of Instruction No. 1 in Torrox.

Early‑morning operation ordered by Torrox investigative court

Civil Guard officers entered Frigiliana Town Hall early this morning under instructions from the Court of Instruction No. 1 in Torrox, (the local investigative court responsible for first‑instance criminal inquiries). Officers initiated a judicially authorised search linked to suspected misconduct in public office and misappropriation of public funds. Staff were asked to leave shortly after officers arrived, with the final worker exiting at 10:10am, according to local media. Access to the building was restricted while investigators reviewed documentation inside.

Searches extend to local offices and private homes

COPE Malaga reports that the operation went beyond the main Town Hall building. Several local departments were visited, and officers also attended private homes connected to the case. No arrests have been confirmed, and investigators have not disclosed the number of locations involved.

Confidentiality measures limits public information

A secrecy order issued by the Torrox investigative court prevents the release of detailed information about the suspected irregularities. Spanish outlets state that the case concerns potential administrative wrongdoing and financial mismanagement within the local authority. No names of individuals have been published, and no details of specific contracts or decisions have yet been released.

Political context surrounding the investigation

Frigiliana’s government is led by the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). Party representatives have called for caution while the judicial process continues. Opposition councillors from the People’s Party (PP) have spent two years submitting complaints about alleged irregularities in contracting and public‑fund management. Media reports suggest today’s searches relate to those earlier submissions, though the court has not publicly confirmed any link.

Atmosphere in the village during the operation

Residents arriving at the Town Hall this morning found the doors closed and staff waiting outside. No uniformed officers were positioned at the entrance, as investigators worked inside the building. Activity in the centre of Frigiliana remained calm, with locals observing the situation from a distance while officers continued gathering documentation.

The case continues

Proceedings remain active, and further information will only be released once the court lifts the secrecy order. Spanish media expect additional updates once investigators complete the initial phase of evidence collection. No timeline has been provided for the next judicial actions.

El Ingenio shopping centre in Velez-Malaga has obtained approval for expansion works through a recently granted licence. Investment of €14 million will deliver more than 4,500 square metres of shop units to the site. Total stores will rise above 100 while annual visitors should exceed 10 million once complete. Current figures show the centre is packed across all units with 9.2 million visits per year already. High visitor numbers reflect strong demand for the retail options currently available at this key location on the eastern Costa del Sol.

Expansion project specifics

New shopping space will support the addition of further operators at the centre managed by MVGM. Approximately 155 new jobs will come from the openings and ongoing operations of these additional establishments.

Even more growth in store count will improve the variety of shopping choices for local residents and tourists visiting the area. Peak capacity characterises current operations at the complex where every retail unit remains let out.

Owner led development approach

Grupo Sociedad Azucarera Larios as owner is looking for a broader plan to establish a substantial commercial business and services zone centred on El Ingenio. This approach hopes to drive economic progress for Velez-Malaga town and the wider Axarquia area.

A new retail park with medium surface units represents the following stage of works. Such a park will introduce new specialist operators to complement existing retail provision at the location. In is hoped that investment of this type will help sustained economic growth in the Axarquia area.

Overall project scale and benefits

Completion of the project will see the combined El Ingenio facility and new retail park deliver roughly 100000 square metres of integrated shopping space. This scale makes the development among the biggest retail complexes across southern Spain.

Investment for the complete scheme stands close to €100 million. Other elements include office space a hotel and upgraded road access points. Employment opportunities from the full development will surpass 3000 positions both direct and indirect in nature.