Andorra Probes 'Watch Entrepreneur's' Smuggling Ring with Arrest Warrants

Andorran authorities are investigating several collaborators of a 33-year-old Spanish resident known as "the watch entrepreneur," who has been in custody at La Comella prison since mid-October. He faces charges including luxury watch smuggling, money laundering, and related offences involving smaller volumes of clothing accessories.

The Batllia, leading the probe codenamed "Cronos," has identified at least four or five intermediaries who sourced exclusive watch models for him when he lacked direct access. Some worked as jewellery shop employees and received around a 10% commission. None have been questioned yet, but they figure in the case file and will eventually face the investigating judge.

National arrest warrants have been issued for his partner and business associate, both active around Valencia—his hometown and a hub for his operations. The inquiry remains open, with rogatory commissions sent to Spain, France, the United Kingdom, and others.

The suspect sold high-end watches via a website, social media, word-of-mouth among content creators, and especially footballers, targeting clients in those countries. He and his Valencia- or Madrid-based associate handled volumes worth about €20 million over five years, securing rare models coveted for their exclusivity rather than just price.

Investigators allege €12 million in fraud. He paid Andorran customs duties (IGI) on imports but repeatedly skipped export declarations for consignments under €50,000—the threshold above which formal procedures apply. Not all watches left Andorra, as he served local clients too. Spain plans separate fiscal fraud charges, primarily over unpaid VAT. His recent freedom bid was denied.