SPAIN — According to Spanish news reports, director/performer Nacho Vidal was freed on bail yesterday after being arrested this week for money laundering connected to a Chinese organized crime ring in Spain. Vidal has been charged with money laundering and forgery.
"Thanks to everyone for their support. I've gone without any charge," said Vidal, who testified before the National Court Judge Fernando Andreu, who released him without bail.
According to a report on 20minutes.es, the prosecution requested precautionary measures for the actor, but the judge sided with the defense which argued that Vidal is not a flight risk because he signed a contract to participate in a reality show for the next three months.
Also arrested in the sting was Vidal's sister who is now also free on bail.
Vidal was one of 80 people arrested Tuesday when Spanish police raided Chinese mob-affiliated money-laundering businesses in multiple raids following a two-year investigation.
Hundreds of police were involved in the raids in Madrid and Barcelona that ensnared Vidal and Chinese mobsters "with warrants to search 120 properties belonging to those suspected of laundering money from prostitution and extortion," according to reports.
Operation Emperor seized $7.8 million in cash and the network is alleged to have laundered between 200,000 and 300,000 euros a year through various schemes including prostitution and counterfeit goods while dodging taxes, bribing officials, and forging documents while sending the laundered money back to China.
All models were at least 18 years old at the time of their performance. 18 U.S.C. 2257 Record-Keeping Requirements Compliance Statement.
