The three private prosecutions for false compensation claims made against hotels in Mallorca accuse eight people of fraud and membership of a criminal organisation. Each prosecution is calling for sentences of six and a half to eight years.
Between 2014 and 2017, these false claims cost hotels millions of euros. The prosecutions point to there having been a structure which took advantage of UK legislation that favoured consumers. Elite Project Marketing was a company alleged to have been at the centre of the plot. It is said to have organised people who would entice British holidaymakers with the possibility of 'free holidays'; they could receive up to 40,000 euros at no cost. The only proof the tourists required was a receipt for the purchase of diarrhoea medication.
The claims were then taken on by certain firms in the UK. Successful claims made against hotels would financially benefit all parties, and the hotels had little chance of challenging them in court. The person at the head of a company called UK Holiday Claims has been accused, although it is uncertain if this person will appear at the trial.
The three private prosecutions are on behalf of the Mallorca Hoteliers Federation, Hoteles Mac and AMLA Explotaciones. The main centres for these claims were Alcudia and Calvia, and all-inclusive hotels were targeted in particular. As all-inclusive guests habitually only ate in the hotels,...
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