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Mango Clothing Chain Founder's Son Denies Murdering Billionaire Father in Spain

Jonathan Andic releases statement calling murder allegation 'serious, unjust and unfounded' as he steps down from fashion empire to focus on legal defense.

Jonathan Andic, the son of Mango clothing empire founder Isak Andic, has publicly denied murdering his father, calling the murder allegation 'serious, unjust and unfounded' in his first public statement since being arrested in Spain as part of an investigation into the billionaire's December 2024 death.

Background

Isak Andic, the Turkish-born entrepreneur who built Mango into a global fashion powerhouse with annual revenues exceeding 2.6 billion euros, died on December 14, 2024, when he plunged to his death while hiking in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona. Spanish authorities initially treated the incident as an accident, but prosecutors reopened the investigation in October 2025, shifting focus to Jonathan Andic.

The younger Andic was arrested approximately one week before May 26, 2026, and released after posting bail of one million euros ($1.2 million) on May 19, 2026, at the Juzgado de Instruccion 5 in Martorell, Barcelona. Court documents indicate prosecutors have been building a case that now includes text message evidence reportedly revealing Jonathan Andic's alleged obsession with money.

Jonathan Andic, 45, was named executive vice president of Mango's holding company in January 2025, approximately six weeks after his father's death. The appointment came under scrutiny as questions about Isak Andic's demise resurfaced.

The Investigation

Spanish investigators zeroed in on Jonathan Andic following the October 2025 reopening of the case. Prosecutors have not publicly specified what evidence prompted them to pursue murder charges against the founder's son, but text messages reportedly obtained by authorities suggest financial motives.

The investigation is being handled by Spanish judicial authorities in Martorell, where the case originated based on jurisdiction where Isak Andic fell. Jonathan Andic remains free on bail while his defense team prepares to contest the charges.

Key Takeaways

- Isak Andic died December 14, 2024, while hiking with his son in Montserrat mountains near Barcelona

- Spanish prosecutors reopened investigation in October 2025, focusing on Jonathan Andic

- Jonathan Andic was arrested and released after posting one million euros bail on May 19, 2026

- He denies murder charges in first public statement, calls allegation 'unfounded'

- Text messages reportedly show alleged financial obsession as prosecutors build motive case

- Mango founder was 71 at time of death; his son is 45

What's Next

Jonathan Andic has stepped down from his position as vice president on Mango's board to focus on his legal defense. His attorneys are expected to challenge the prosecution's evidence and present an alternative narrative surrounding the hiking accident. A preliminary hearing date has not yet been set, but the case is anticipated to proceed through the Spanish judicial system. Prosecutors have indicated they will pursue additional evidence as the investigation continues.

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