Hah! Of course they knew! Anyone could see the sheer amount of building going on, most of them come to Marbella on holidays and many bought as well, so no excuses!
Roca and the others are really just scapegoats for the whole sorry mess! I remember the same issues 20 odd years ago in the UK, especially Haringey and around London, councillors being bribed to allow and encourage developments, so I dont know why its such a big deal!
They ought to just draw a line under it and legalize the lot and get on with life. Its the small guy that suffers as I know many who cannot sell their proeprties but still have to pay the mortgages!
The spanish are still buying some unlicensed units but at very harsh prices!