Galicia’s Biggest Asset Seizure Case
Galicia is currently witnessing one of the largest asset confiscation processes linked to drug trafficking. Following a 2016 court ruling, the assets of Marcial Dorado—once notorious as one of the region’s top smugglers and drug traffickers—were seized. In recent years, the state has gradually been selling off these properties, but the process remains slow. Some of the assets have already passed into the hands of local municipalities, including Vilagarcía de Arousa and now A Illa de Arousa.
Authorities in A Illa de Arousa have recently acquired two plots of land where they plan to build 70 units of social housing and create a green space. But their ambitions don’t stop there: the next step could be the purchase of Dorado’s legendary villa, valued at over three million euros. This luxurious mansion stood for years as a symbol of wealth amassed through smuggling and drugs.
Municipality’s Plan: From Drug Lord’s Villa to Community Center
The mayor, representing the Socialist party, plans to turn Dorado’s former residence into a center for senior citizens, with part of the property set aside for developing sports infrastructure. He stated that the city should benefit from returning these assets to public use. The authorities are already negotiating directly with representatives of the national anti-drug plan to purchase the villa, bypassing the auction. The deal is expected to be as favorable as possible for the municipality, although the purchase price will remain substantial.
In addition to the mansion, the administration is considering acquiring another 4,000-square-meter plot, which was also confiscated from Dorado. Here, plans call for creating an additional green zone, taking into account development restrictions currently in place in the municipality. In the near future, city hall will sign a notarized agreement to purchase two previously agreed-upon plots for a total of 361,000 euros. These expenses are included in the 2025 budget, with payment to be made over seven years.
History of arrests and legal proceedings
In 2011, the Supreme Court of Spain found Dorado guilty of drug trafficking, sentencing him to ten years in prison and fining him 35 million euros. This verdict marked the start of the largest asset seizure in Galicia’s history linked to criminal activity. In 2016, he received a conviction for money laundering, which led to a sale of assets that only began in November 2024.
In total, Dorado had 204 properties seized, registered to 19 Spanish and 9 foreign companies. These included houses, commercial spaces, gas stations, parking lots, and various businesses scattered across different provinces. Investigators also identified 16 bank accounts in Switzerland linked to companies from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
The Path of Dorado: From ‘Tobacco King’ to High-Profile Criminal Cases
Marcial Dorado, now 75, was long considered one of the most influential tobacco smugglers in the region. His wealth and a network of companies set up to legalize his earnings drew close scrutiny from tax and judicial authorities. Despite attempts to justify his income through duty-free airport trade, judges dismissed these arguments.
In 2017, Dorado received his first permit for a short-term prison release, and in 2020 was moved to a lower-security regime. His latest conviction was expunged in 2025. Over the years, he became the subject of multiple investigations, and his 2003 arrest for cocaine trafficking remains one of the most high-profile events in Spain’s fight against drug crime.
Public Outcry and the Future of His Assets
The story of Dorado has often been a topic of public debate, especially after photos emerged showing him with well-known politicians from Galicia. His connections and past remain controversial, and the fate of his seized assets is closely watched by locals. If the municipality succeeds in its plans, former symbols of criminal wealth could become new attractions for residents and visitors of A Illa de Arousa.
