This is the latest news from IURA Lawyers in Spain.
In Fuengirola, on the 11th of May 2009
Dear Clients,
Regarding the Palmera Properties case I can confirm that things are moving along but as I have already mentioned on numerous occasions, unfortunately the pre trial phase seems to be taking forever, we are constantly pushing for things to be resolved asap but at the end of the day it is entirely down to the court and at the moment they are inundated with cases and simply do not have the resources to deal with it all.
Gotardo Rodriguez, the director of Palmera Properties handed over a ton of paperwork regarding all purchases. This is now being reviewed by ourselves and the Court, this is in the theory when we should be able to determine exactly how much funds were kept by Palmera, how much was or was not paid to the developer, agency fees etc. There are still statements to take place, most importantly that of Enrique Faura (the director of Grupo Mirador), he appealed against the original citation as he insists he has absolutely no relation with any of you and that your case is against Palmera as they are the ones you paid the deposits to, although this may be true, there are numerous documents that make it clear to see that they, along with other developers received part of the money.
At this stage it is possible that the Judge may request further information, should we need to present additional information we will obviously let you know immediately. At the moment most people that have presented a case against Palmera in the Torremolinos court are in the same situation, this is due to the fact that the investigation phase of all cases is being dealt with under one file. In the long run the number of affected clients will benefit clients but at the moment it is causing a bit of a delay.
On another note, I understand from many of you that another law firm has been sending e-mails in order for you to join their group of affected clients. Some previous Costa del Sol Action Group committee members who were asked to leave the Group have decided to form another group, and this is why you are now receiving the communications. It is highly unethical for any law firm to contact clients directly when they are aware that those clients are represented by a lawyer/s. We have informed them that if the situation arises again we will take whatever action we feel necessary and appropriate. As a law firm they should be more than willing to contact us in order for everyone to work together, juts as we have done with other lawyers dealing with identical cases.
There are also people posing to be victims of the Palmera scam e-mailing clients informing them that their solicitors are second to none and that if you want to resolve your situation you should get them to act on your behalf, having paid a joining fee of 1.500.-€. Please be aware that under no circumstance are these people buyers, they have simply formed another group and are recruiting clients. For legal reasons at this moment in time we are unable to state who these people are, but I am sure it will all come out in time. Many of you have already sent me these e-mails, but should you receive any further communications please forward to our office so we have a record on file.
Should any of you need any further information please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail and I will respond as soon as possible.
Kind regards,
Naomi Webb
IURA DESPACHO JURÍDICO S.L.