Court names Mango tycoon's son as suspect in probe into father's death
By Joan Faus and Corina Pons
Investigation into the Death of Isak Andic
Suspect Named and Legal Proceedings
BARCELONA, May 19 (Reuters) - The son of Isak Andic, founder of fashion group Mango, was named by a judge in Barcelona on Tuesday as a suspect in an investigation into his father's death in a 2024 cliff-top fall.
Jonathan Andic, 45, was arrested and questioned by police in Catalonia, then brought to court in handcuffs, where the judge set bail of 1 million euros ($1.16 million) and required him to hand over his passport.
He left the court after making bail, but cannot leave the region and is required to report to the court once a week.
Details of the Incident
Isak Andic died after falling more than 100 metres (328 ft) from a cliff while hiking with his son near Barcelona in December 2024. His death was initially treated as an accident.
Judge's Statement and Evidence
Judge Raquel Nieto Galvan said in a statement after the court hearing that the case was being investigated as a homicide.
Factors Cited by the Judge
In her writ, she cited evidence pointing to a poor relationship between the two, possible financial motive, prior planning and study of the scene, "autopsy that practically rules out slipping or stumbling", and discrepancies in the suspect's statements, among other factors "that could implicate JA in the death of his father".
Family and Legal Response
Family's Statement
The Andic family said in a statement he was innocent.
"There is no legitimate evidence against him, nor will any be found," it said.
Defence Lawyer's Position
In a statement, defence lawyer Cristobal Martell called the homicide theory inconsistent.
"But above all, it is painful. It stigmatizes an innocent man. Now the real process begins, and the truth and his innocence will shine through."
Cooperation with Authorities
A spokesperson for the family said Mango's Vice Chairman Jonathan Andic would continue to cooperate with authorities and called for the principle of the presumption of innocence to be respected.
Background on Mango and the Andic Family
Isak Andic's Legacy
Isak Andic, who was born in Istanbul, moved to Catalonia in the northeast of Spain in the 1960s and founded Mango in 1984. He built it into a global group seen as a rival to Zara.
At the time of his death, he was non-executive chairman of Mango with a net worth of $4.5 billion according to Forbes.
Current Ownership and Leadership
Jonathan Andic and his two sisters jointly own 95% of Mango, with 5% owned by Toni Ruiz, its CEO since 2020.
Ruiz became chairman of the board, replacing Isak Andic in January 2025 after his death. Jonathan Andic, who previously worked in Mango's retail operations, was named vice chairman.
Company Response
Mango declined to comment on the arrest.
Additional Information
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(Reporting by Corina Pons and Joan Faus; Additional reporting by Helen Reid and Albert Gea; Writing by Emma Pinedo; Editing by Andrei Khalip, Charlie Devereux, Alexander Smith and David Gregorio)
