Andorra Minister: No Confirmed Prostitution at Suspected Tourist Apartment

Andorra's Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné has clarified that prostitution remains unconfirmed at a tourist apartment on Avinguda Doctor Mitjavila in the capital, despite neighbour complaints about unusual activity and a property owner's report of unpaid rent.

Speaking to journalists, Molné said investigators are examining the case but have not established that prostitution occurred. "We're looking into it because we don't know for sure if it's prostitution," she explained. Police checks followed reports of movement at the property, but no associated crimes have been identified so far.

The minister emphasised that authorities are monitoring closely to prevent any links to offences like aiding prostitution or pimping. She described such incidents as "isolated" and not widespread, noting three investigations this year: the current one without confirmed related crimes, and two earlier cases in February and March involving other offences.

Andorra's legislation is already "very restrictive" on the activity, Molné stated. It imposes administrative fines on those soliciting services and criminal penalties for pimping or facilitation, but does not sanction those providing them, viewed as being in vulnerable positions. She ruled out changing this approach or increasing ROAT registration checks, saying periodic inspections are sufficient.

Molné expressed openness to exploring blocks on websites advertising such services, potentially with Andorra Telecom's support, though she noted it had not been considered before due to the low number of cases. Her priority, she said, is enforcing the law rather than concerns over the country's image, adding that activity levels remain far lower than in neighbouring countries. "We don't want these situations to become entrenched," she reiterated.