- Koke, the former footballer from Malaga, Sergio Contreras, known as Koke, was purportedly the leader of a drug syndicate.
- The ex-La Liga star, accused of drug trafficking, was released from prison in 2021 after posting a bail of 15,000 euros.
- Koke’s estimated net worth before his arrest in the marijuana trafficking case was anticipated to be between 1 and 5 million dollars.
- He won’t be the sole person sitting on trial, even though he is the primary defendant in the ongoing major case related to the so-called ‘Operation Linked.’
- As per the prosecutor, they established a drug distribution network with Koke as the ringleader. Investigators view him as the head of the syndicate.
Koke, the former footballer from Malaga, Sergio Contreras, known as Koke, was purportedly the leader of a drug syndicate.
That was the conclusion reached by the Civil Guard after weeks of investigation that led to his arrest in November 2019.
The ex-La Liga star, accused of drug trafficking, was released from prison in 2021 after posting a bail of 15,000 euros.
He is scheduled to appear in the Provincial Court of Malaga on Monday, March 27, 2023, to face charges related to an alleged network engaged in marijuana distribution.
The prosecution is seeking a 16-year prison sentence and a fine of 15 million euros, as he is being investigated for a crime against public health involving substances known to cause serious harm.
He won’t be the sole person sitting on trial, even though he is the primary defendant in the ongoing major case related to the so-called ‘Operation Linked.’
Fourteen other individuals are accused of offenses against public health, including one of the former footballer’s brothers and his romantic partner.
According to the Public Ministry, they all formed a criminal conspiracy dedicated to purchasing large quantities of marijuana.
They allegedly vacuum-sealed it and delivered it to foreign carriers for transportation to various European countries, originating from different points in Andalusia, such as Los Morales.
Armed Institute investigation, conducted by agents of the Organized Crime and Anti-Drug Team (EDOA), involved extensive surveillance, phone interceptions, and monitoring, as well as the use of geolocation devices on the suspects’ vehicles.
As per the prosecutor, they established a drug distribution network with Koke as the ringleader. Investigators view him as the head of the syndicate.
The Public Ministry indicates that below Koke was his second-in-command, who is yet to be located by the Civil Guard, along with other members responsible for various tasks.
Some were responsible for providing financial backing to the syndicate, others were suppliers of the narcotic substances, some rented the vehicles, some packaged the drugs, and others transported them.
Reportedly, one of the participants in that criminal organization was an ex-footballer’s wife.
The woman was allegedly in charge of safeguarding and transferring money from the illegal activity, handling payments, and collections from the suppliers.
Regarding Koke’s arrested brother, the prosecutor claims that he was involved in transporting the narcotics.
Among the transports attributed to the Koke syndicate, one involved concealing 206,920 kilos of marijuana and nearly a kilo of cocaine within a shipment of garlic.
The Prosecutor’s Office holds the 15 defendants in this major case responsible for offenses against public health.
The former footballer from Malaga, the main defendant, has been requested to serve a 16-year prison term and pay a fine of 15 million euros.
