A growing legal storm has surrounded several well-known footballers after they were linked to an alleged luxury watch smuggling investigation in Andorra.
The case, which has shocked the football world, continues to expand as authorities dig deeper into cross-border transactions.
The investigation has drawn attention because of the high-profile names involved and the luxury nature of the goods. However, officials believe the case goes beyond simple purchases and may involve tax evasion schemes.
At the centre of the probe is a watch smuggling investigation in Andorra, where authorities are now examining how luxury timepieces were sold, transported, and declared. The case has triggered cooperation between Spanish and Andorran officials.
According to Spanish outlet elDiario.es, Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal, Santi Cazorla, Giovani Lo Celso, Thomas Partey, César Azpilicueta, Juan Bernat, and Manchester City legend David Silva are all allegedly linked to the purchases.
Moreover, an Andorran judge, Joan Carles Moynat, has reportedly requested assistance from Spanish authorities to question the players. The focus is on how the watches were purchased, delivered, and moved across borders.
The Civil Guard has also reportedly begun contacting some of the players involved. Meanwhile, investigators continue to track financial records linked to the transactions.
In addition, reports suggest that the main suspect, identified as Diego GC, is already in provisional detention in Andorra. He is accused of smuggling and money laundering, charges that could carry an eight-year prison sentence.
He is also alleged to have avoided customs duties by manipulating VAT rules through cross-border company structures.
According to investigators, the watches mainly Rolex and Patek Philippe models were sold through an Andorran company linked to Diego GC rather than official retailers.
Furthermore, authorities believe the structure was designed mainly for financial gain through tax avoidance.
The judge reportedly stated that the only “plausible motive” was to benefit from VAT differences between Spain and Andorra.
The watch smuggling investigation in Andorra also includes scrutiny of 38 luxury watches valued at about €1.35 million. Officials say these items were not properly declared during export and import processes.
Moreover, Spanish authorities are also reviewing related companies that handled resale transactions. Several individuals and firms may also be questioned as part of the widening probe.
Reports claim Thomas Partey spent the most, purchasing watches worth about €415,000. The items were reportedly acquired over several transactions involving luxury brands.
Meanwhile, investigators say customs declarations were missing when some watches crossed borders into Spain.
The case remains under investigation, and no formal charges have been announced against the footballers.
