More Marbella corruption arrests

A multi-million-euro property scandal is being investigated

Police in Spain have arrested a former mayor of the Mediterranean resort of Marbella as part of an investigation into corruption in the city.

Julian Munoz was detained on suspicion of bribery and embezzling public money.

Several other people were detained as part of the investigation which has already seen the arrest of Marbella's sitting mayor Marisol Yague in April.

Officials, including a former police chief, and two-thirds of the council are among those who have been held.

Those detained are reported to have denied any wrongdoing.

Marbella is currently being run by a team of temporary officials appointed by Spain's national government.

Playground for rich

In June Spanish police arrested 25 people, including nine ex-councillors, in the anti-corruption crackdown.

Raids were carried out in several Spanish cities, targeting people linked to Marbella council.

A multi-million-euro property scandal is being investigated.

The operation started in late March, when Ms Yague and town planning boss Juan Antonio Roca were arrested and property was seized.

Police raided the Marbella town hall and other offices and seized property worth 2.4bn euros (£1.6bn), including farms, cash, art, thoroughbred horses and a helicopter.

For decades Marbella has been an international magnet for the rich and famous, fuelling a property boom.