Real Madrid's Carvajal among seven players investigated in luxury watch smuggling case
Real Madrid captain Daniel Carvajal and six other footballers have been formally named as suspects in a Spanish investigation into alleged luxury watch smuggling and tax evasion. According to judicial documents seen by Spanish media, an Andorran judge, Juan Carles Moynat, has registered the players as under investigation for their alleged involvement in a scheme to avoid paying value-added tax and customs duties on high-end timepieces.
The investigation, coordinated with Spanish authorities, focuses on operations conducted through an Andorran company suspected of failing to declare taxes. The alleged scheme involved luxury watches from brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe being sold via a company in the principality to evade VAT and import fees when brought into Spain. The judge described the mechanism as "classic," involving the physical separation of the products and their documentation to avoid customs declarations.
Alongside Carvajal, the other players named are retired midfielder David Silva, Real Oviedo's Santi Cazorla, Real Betis's Giovani Lo Celso, Villarreal's Thomas Partey, Sevilla's Cesar Azpilicueta, and Eibar's Joan Bernat. Spanish authorities have been tasked with interviewing the players "in their capacity as suspects" regarding the purchase, delivery, and transport of the watches. The judicial order notes that, for now, the footballers are considered secondary figures compared to the alleged organizers of the system.
The main suspect is an entrepreneur, Diego G.C., from the company Best In Asociados, who is already in preventive detention since 2025 on charges of smuggling and money laundering. The documents cite significant sums, alleging Partey spent over 400,000 euros on three watches, Bernat approximately 367,000 euros, and Silva nearly 300,000 euros. Carvajal is listed as having acquired a Rolex Daytona for 64,800 euros in 2021.
The news emerges at a sensitive time for Carvajal, who captained Real Madrid in their 2-1 Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat to Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu just this week. While the legal process is ongoing and no charges have been filed, the investigation casts a shadow over the players involved. The judge's order states the inquiry remains open and aims to clarify the precise role of the footballers in the alleged smuggling network.
