More tourists turn to Spain due to Middle East conflict, money-laundering gang exploiting Ukrainian women arrested and more news on Monday March 9th.
More tourists turn to Spain due to Middle East conflict
Global tour operators have noted holiday cancellations in the tens of thousands as a result of the escalating war in Iran and across the Middle East.
And a side effect that industry leaders are beginning to anticipate is the shift to Spain of tourists who had planned destinations such as Egypt, the UAE and Turkey.
TUI, Europe’s largest tourism conglomerate, told El País: “In the current context, we could see greater short-term interest in Mediterranean destinations such as Spain, Portugal, and Italy”.
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Money-laundering gang exploiting Ukrainian women arrested in Spain
An international operation in Spain targeting a money laundering scheme has resulted in the arrest of 12 suspects, Interpol reports.
The criminal network systematically exploited vulnerable Ukrainian women to open bank accounts, which were used in gaming platforms and to transfer illicit profits.
Authorities estimate that the criminal organisation made a profit of €4.75 million using this method.
Spanish authorities, in close cooperation with Ukrainian police, led the operation with support from Europol and Interpol.
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Spanish property prices see the largest increase in almost 20 years
House prices in Spain shot up by 12.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, the largest increase since the first quarter of 2007.
The price of housing rose by an average of 12.7 percent over the whole year and 700,000 homes were sold in Spain in 2025, the highest number since the bubble.
With the rise in 2025, the price of private housing has risen for 12 consecutive years. The increase in 2025 was the highest on record and more than tripled, for example, the 4 percent increase in 2023.
UEFA fine Real Madrid after fan’s Nazi salute
UEFA fined Real Madrid 15,000 euros ($17,000) after one of their fans performed a Nazi salute before a Champions League match last week.
The European football governing body’s disciplinary board also issued Real with a partial stadium closure of 500 seats, suspended for a one-year probationary period.
UEFA punished Madrid “for the racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters” in the second leg of their play-off round victory over Benfica on February 25, European football’s governing body said in a statement.
Real ejected a supporter caught on camera performing a Nazi salute in the stands before the match began.
The first leg of the tie was marred by an incident of alleged racism aimed at Real winger Vinicius Junior by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who denies it.
Madrid progressed to the last 16 where they will face Premier League side Manchester City.
With additional reporting by Conor Faulkner and AFP.
