Andorra Police to Question Footballers Like Fernández, Carvajal in Watch Fraud Probe

Police officers from Andorra's anti-fraud unit in the foreign affairs and borders division will travel to several locations in Spain next week to take statements from clients of Best In Asociados, the company at the center of the "Operation Cronos" probe. The effort follows judicial requests known as comissions rogatòries internacionals (CRIs) issued by the investigating magistrate.

A key focus is Valencia, hometown of the two partners in the firm, which primarily sold luxury watches—along with some high-end handbags—from a showroom on Avinguda Meritxell. The younger partner, a man in his early 30s and Andorran resident, has been in custody since October. The older partner, linked through a Spanish company based in Valencia and Madrid, faces an active national arrest order in Andorra but is currently unaccounted for, causing concern among investigators.

Similar CRIs have gone to the UK and Italy. Among those summoned are high-profile footballers, including Chelsea's Enzo Fernández and Manchester United's Matheus Cunha in the UK, who will likely testify via videoconference directly with magistrate Joan Carles Moynat. In Spain, players such as Real Madrid's Daniel Carvajal, Sevilla's César Azpilicueta, Oviedo's Santi Cazorla, and retired star David Silva have been cited.

Judicial sources stress that clients are summoned as "encausats"—similar to investigated status—to safeguard their rights amid conflicting accounts from those already questioned. No prior accusations have been made against them. The magistrate seeks details on their dealings with the company, how they learned of it, purchase logistics, and delivery methods, to clarify responsibilities in the transactions.

Most statements are scheduled for April, some in person with Spanish authorities present and a prepared question script, others remotely. Carvajal and Azpilicueta recently submitted a filing on 26 March requesting dismissal of proceedings, arguing they simply entered a commercial agreement, paid the agreed amount, and committed no irregularity.

The firm, founded in 2020 with the second partner joining in 2021, sold around 250 high-end watches over five years, mainly Rolex and Patek Philippe models. Investigators estimate potential tax evasion in the millions, though figures remain under review. The probe stems from undeclared imports and exports, with watches moved to clients without proper customs declarations.