A large-scale investigation has unfolded in Alicante province, with 64 people placed under investigation on suspicion of violating urban planning regulations. The operation, named Urbanitas, targeted several areas where numerous cases of illegal land division and construction were uncovered.
The investigation began last autumn following complaints from local residents and violations detected by patrols. Inspectors focused on plots around El Moralet, El Verdegás, La Cañada del Fenollar, La Alcoraya, and Fontcalent. Here, attempts were recorded to erect buildings on land where any construction or even subdivision is prohibited by law.
Through more than 70 inspections, authorities identified a series of schemes involving the sale and resale of agricultural land. Intermediaries found owners of unused plots and either purchased the land themselves or facilitated deals with buyers. The land was then split into smaller shares, often only on paper, to maximize profits. New owners signed private agreements, acquiring only an abstract share in a common plot with no clear connection to a specific location. As a result, all legal and administrative risks fell on them.
Among the suspects are 39 men and 25 women aged between 23 and 66. According to investigators, three of them acted as intermediaries. In addition to urban planning violations, some are also charged with document forgery and tax evasion. Specifically, this involves falsifying documents during transactions to mislead government authorities and avoid mandatory payments.
All materials have already been submitted to the court in Alicante. Local authorities have also been notified of potential violations, which may result not only in hefty fines, but also in the demolition of illegal buildings and the disconnection of water, electricity, and other utilities.
Law enforcement officials emphasize that purchasing property built without permits carries serious consequences. If violations are found, owners risk losing their investment, facing demolition of the home, suffering financial loss due to natural disasters, and being unable to obtain property rights or utility connections.
