Andorran Prosecutors Seek 2-Year Sentences for Family Accused of Hiding Restaurant Assets to Evade €60,000 Debt

The Andorran public prosecutor's office is seeking conditional two-year prison sentences and €60,000 in civil liability from a 73-year-old man and his two daughters, accused of obstructing debt recovery after two family restaurants in Andorra la Vella failed.

The trial at the Tribunal de Corts, which opened today, centres on a major offence of frustrating executive collection procedures. The first restaurant, registered under one daughter's name, operated from 2007 until its 2015 closure in Escaldes-Engordany's upper area, accumulating around €58,000 in unpaid rent. Prosecutors claim inventoried furniture from the site was transferred to a second restaurant opened by the other daughter, preventing the property owner from recovering over €60,000 despite judicial demands launched after payments stopped in 2010.

Prosecutors argue the father played an active management role, despite the businesses being formally administered by his daughters. He denied this, insisting he provided only occasional help as a handyman, waiter, or support staff, without handling finances, contracts, or decisions. "I never acted as owner, only helped my daughters," he told the court, adding he received no payment. His testimony included contradictions, hesitations, and memory lapses, which he attributed to recent health issues. He acknowledged knowing of the financial woes and attempting to renegotiate rent with the landlord but maintained no embargo order existed when furniture—tables, chairs, and fridges—was moved post-closure. The property owner reportedly allowed them to take it, he said, with most items going to storage and only a small portion reused in the second venue. "We're not criminals," he stressed, denying any intent to hide assets.

The daughter who managed the first restaurant, taking over at age 21 with parental financial and logistical support, admitted the debt and early struggles. "It started well but snowballed with payments," she said, noting her parents covered some costs. She claimed limited understanding of judicial documents, signing them while relying on professionals for administrative matters.

The defence portrays the father's role as standard family aid in the restaurant sector, with furniture moves made openly and without evading creditors. Tensions arose during questioning, leading the judge to warn against a "tennis match" of interruptions.

The hearing continues tomorrow with testimony from the second daughter and further evidence before a verdict.