Union leader who defamed Picardo arrested in Spain

The leader of a right-wing Spanish union who defamed Chief Minister Fabian Picardo in 2013 was arrested yesterday by Spanish police investigating allegations of extortion.

Miguel Bernad, leader of Manos Limpias, was taken into custody by financial crimes officers at his Madrid home, according to a Spanish police official.

A separate police statement said 10 people were arrested in an investigation focusing on whether Manos Limpios had filed legal actions in some cases only to withdraw them later in return for money.

Manos Limpias made headlines in Gibraltar two years ago in a case stemming from the cross-border tensions during the summer of 2013.

In 2014, the Supreme Court of Gibraltar ruled that the union and Sr Bernad defamed Mr Picardo by falsely accusing him of condoning smuggling, drug trafficking and money laundering.

FULL STORY IN OUR PRINT AND E-EDITIONS