The billionaire founder of fashion giant Mango, Isak Andic, died after plunging more than 150 metres while hiking with his son in Spain's Montserrat mountains a year and a half ago. Amid widespread shock at the death of one of Spain's richest men, questions soon arose about how a physically fit 71-year-old could fall from a path suitable for all abilities, and why he was with his eldest son, Jonathan, with whom he reportedly had a difficult relationship.
Arrest and Legal Developments
This week, Jonathan Andic, 45, was arrested on suspicion of pushing his father to his death and formally named as a suspect. A 17-page legal document released by the court outlines the judge's reasons. Judge Raquel Nieto Galvan cited a 'bad relationship' between father and son, Jonathan's 'obsession with money', and WhatsApp messages expressing 'hatred, resentment and thoughts of death'. The judge noted that forensic experts concluded footprints at the scene could not have been caused by a simple slip, but rather by someone being thrown feet first 'down a toboggan slide'. Autopsy reports also found no injuries on the palms of Isak's hands, as would be expected from an accidental fall.
Family and Business Tensions
The case has been dubbed the 'Spanish Succession', reflecting tensions within the wealthy Andic dynasty. In 2014, Isak handed control of Mango to Jonathan, but after the company failed to meet targets and profits plummeted, Isak took back the reins and installed an outsider as CEO. This caused 'a crisis on a professional, personal and family level', according to the writ. Two days before his death, at a company Christmas party, Isak paid tribute to the CEO he appointed instead of his son, which some saw as a slight.
Judge Galvan also referenced Jonathan's 'obsession with money', citing WhatsApp messages where he expressed feelings of 'hatred, resentment and thoughts of death'. Jonathan allegedly sought to receive his inheritance while his father was still alive. In mid-2024, Jonathan learned his father planned to change his will to create a charitable foundation, which precipitated a 'notable change' in him, leading him to seek reconciliation.
Investigation Details
The judge's report states that footprints on the path could not have been made accidentally. Forensic experts conducted four simulations and concluded the scuff marks had to be performed deliberately by applying pressure. Jonathan's behaviour also raised suspicions: he told police he had only visited the trail two weeks before the death, but car tracking revealed visits on December 7, 8, and 10. Additionally, his phone disappeared during a trip to Ecuador after the death, described as a 'disappearance under strange circumstances'.
Jonathan initially called emergency services at 12:36 pm, saying his father had slipped. However, his accounts to police contained contradictions. In one version, he was walking four or five metres ahead and his father was taking photos; in another, they were walking together and he saw his father 'screaming and falling'. Police found Isak's phone in his pocket, unused at the time of the fall, contradicting the photo story.
Background and Will
Isak Andic, born in Istanbul, moved to Catalonia in 1968 and started a market stall selling embroidered blouses. He named Mango after eating the fruit in the Philippines. The company now has around 3,000 branches, including over 100 in the UK. At his death, his personal fortune was €4.5 billion. His will left €5 million to his girlfriend, and divided control of the family holding company between Jonathan and his two sisters. Jonathan, who insists his father's death was a freak accident, was arrested in Barcelona and released on bail of €1 million after surrendering his passport.
Jonathan's lawyer stated that 'the homicide theory does not hold up'. Jonathan now wants to give a statement under oath to refute inaccuracies. If charged with homicide, he could face up to 15 years in prison; a charge of pre-meditated murder could carry a life sentence.
