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Vol. 8 Issue 198
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EXCLUSIVE: Our man at the Coronation, See page 6
The Rock’s ONLY free local paper May 17th - May 30th 2023
ROCK SOLID Gibraltarians came out in force to show their loyalty during the coronation of King Charles III
Shipwreck awaits fate
The Rock’s ONLY free local paper
By John Culatto
Full story, see page 4
IMAGINE THEY GET BACK
is under THE bathing season be the bigthreat from what could gest oil spill to date. off It comes with the shipwreck set to get liftCatalan Bay is finally ed out of the water. employed by The Dutch company to remove the owners of the OS 35 the complex shipwreck will finish more than 16, June by operation the day after two weeks late and starts. the bathing season officially the greatest FRESH life has been breathed see will stage new This some a cold case involving risk of a further oil spill. backed into most iconic photographs in the Although the contractors history. Authority of by the Gibraltar Port into place rock and roll able (GPA) have put a planthey are not The remarkto safeguard beaches, oil and fuel set of picof entirely sure how much tures ship. is still trapped in the will first J o h n Koole Wreck Removal and back sec- Lennon make both the front lifting them a n d tions airtight before their current Yoko out of the water from Bay. Ono location 700m from Catalan Ghio, inJohn Captain of the Port, that the had originally ordered May 30. wreck be removed by ‘an extremeBut he admitted it was process’. ly complex and delicate for its final “Whilst the short delay this is the removal is unfortunate, so that mitionly safe way to do source of gates the potential futurethe impact pollution and minimise Ghio said. on the environment,” Opinion Page 6
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PICTURE THIS: We track down photographers who took long lost unpublished snaps of John and Yoko’s Gib wedding
f o r
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See page 10
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s c u s t o m e r
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S u b j e c t
EXCLUSIVE wedcluding their iconic Gibraltar By Walter Finch missing for ding snaps - have been decades. course of a year we managed While the Olive Press to establish that the stolen launched a special inves- negatives were being offered tigation in 2016 to help by a shady Far Eastern cartel recover them for to own them. BEFORE: Scan of p h o t o g r a - that claimed receiving a copy UNSEEN and Yoko pher Da- However, despite we were unable negative of John to us this week vid Nut- of a contact sheetthe negatives or kissing sent by a third ter, the to finally secure Offered to her company scanned, seller. trail has pin down the blue, we have re- party, they were digitally s i n c e Now, out of the letter from an but not purchased over concerns g o n e ceived a mystery in the of copyright. apparent Good Samaritan reports cold. she had the miss- Having recently read our she Over the USA who claims 2011. in from 2016 she has decided phoing negatives in her hands wants to return to the has tographer himself andOlive to the out reached Press to help. Mr “I feel real sympathy for I want and plight Nutter’s she to get the scans to him,” would wrote, adding she them deliver to like actually herself. 1969 Taken in Gibraltar in by Nutter, the incredible infaphotos captured the mous, whistlestop wedding Yoko. of Lennon and – esThe valuable negatives least timated to be worth atin the €150,000 – vanished 84, 1970s after Nutter, now Antholent them to a friend book, ny Fawcett to use in his At A John Lennon: One Day
Yoko in Gib, while ICONIC: John and Nutter, plus (right) with snapper probe flashback to our 2016
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Fresh lead in Cold case reopened:wedding photos missing John Yoko
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Time. stoThey were allegedly len during the repossession ‘he of Fawcett’s apartment claimed’. investiDespite two separate and the gations by British police been recovFBI they have never ered.
the anonIf you can help (or arepls contact ymous letter writer) in strict jon@theolivepress.es confidence
. 3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9
21/6/19 13:30
See Page 6
CASH OUT
See publisher’s note, page 6
splashing half a million euros at Louis Vuitton and €80,000 at Fendi THE lavish outlays of a crypto-currency conman first exposed by the Olive Press were laid bare in court this week. Gibraltar Supreme Court heard how Gibraltarian Damian Carreras splurged €1.3 million on luxury goods and led a jet set lifestyle while his investors who funded it fretted about their money. The Globix boss, who failed to appear to answer questions about his platform’s missing millions, allegedly splashed out over half a million euros at the Louis Vuitton shop in Puerto Banus. He also spent €80,000 at the Fendi store next door, before popping over to Prada to tap €52,000 on his Globix credit
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By Walter Finch
card. Another €111,000 was spent at Tagore in Gibraltar, according to information revealed by prosecutor Daniel Feetham KC.
Economical
And across a months-long jolly he paid €116,000 on luxury hotels, spas and beach houses, added Feetham. Carreras had been ordered to court over €26 million of missing investors' money. However due to claims he had been receiving death threats and was worried for the safety of his partner and child, the prosecution accepted his appearance by video link. However, he failed to show at the allotted time, with Feetham labelling him as ‘economical with the truth’. Carreras and tech officer Pavel Sidirov are wanted over allegations they syphoned €8 million and €3 million respectively from company coffers. Liquidators are trying to trace the See page 11 cash that inexplic a b l y vanished f r o m
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...HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED !
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Vol. 7 Issue 193
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March 8th - March 21st
2023
A KIDNAPPING of two Spanish police last yearexpats foiled by is linked to an EXCLUSIVE: Kidnap, enormous crypto currency crypto and the Russians scandal set The to rock the country, the multimillion-euro : Olive Press can reveal. defrauded hundreds scandal that may have The incredible drama in Spain and Gibraltar couple held for several which saw the hours took place after hundreds of investors By Walter Finch feared they had lost as much as €70 million in the ‘crypto scam’. individually to fetch. The snatching of Russian And in one of them with his wife still and his wife in June was Pavel Sidirov bound ed by police as routine initially treat- car - and gagged in the boot of the Sidirov was able to call reported at the time. extortion, as we for help. his lawyer failures. The couple had been According to well placed The sources, side their villa in El kidnapped out- were lawyer alerted the police, who hundreds of frantic investors are now quickly on the scene Campello, Alicante, by two bogus cops to catch the scrambling to recover their flashing fake kidnappers. funds from Guardia Civil badges the trading platform Globix, which at and a Russian Police arrested six people, woman acting as an interpreter. including a its peak had almost €150 retired Guardia Civil million under officer, while the management. They were bundled into alleged the wife was tied up anda car, stripped and tured), ringleader, Carlos Garrido (pic- Over the last few months used as a hostage. handed himself in in it has gradThe gang then threatened the ensu- ually become clear to investors, both their ing days to deny he was a criminal. based in Gibraltar and Spain, lives if they did allegedly lost as much that Globix has as two thirds of not hand over this enormous sum. Scheme the codes to a Insisting And crypto wallet claimed he wasn’t a criminal, he can in a bizarre twist, the Olive Press reveal that the remaining the scheme was a minor containing mil- ter €40 milmat- lion is apparently and he was merely representing lions. a shady IT firm basedin the hands of a group of investors trying in Ukraine. Tech guru Sid- €2 million ‘owed to them’ to recover It happened after Sidirov irov activated a by Sidirov. mechanism cleverly While during his kidnap bought time by matter,it seemed to be the end of the the codes to Globix’s partners that sent the Olive Press can reveal telling the gang day in Kyiv. to- An independent investigation by a well that the codes part that the kidnapping is just a small known Gibraltar financial were distrib- set of a much bigger scandal that is told to engulf the already investors they had been company uted in 12 sep- crypto beleaguered to get any money back from struggling industry. arate Ukraine. houses The kidnapping is linked to a Gibral- It added the CEO of the Kyiv-based that they would tar-linked firm had ‘not been forthcoming’ have to go to immersed crypto firm that has become efforts in his to return the money in a murky world of trading and was ‘now under arrest’.
Serious savings on currency transfers to and from Spain
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A statement issued to in January, seen by investors the Olive Press, reads: “The police have been contacted, as has istry (of Finance) and the Minly we are hopeful thatcollectiveensure the process is they will completed satisfactorily.” It added: “We have the special police involvedUkrainian and they have arrested three individuals. They are looking for a dividual. These peoplefourth indata that is needed to hold the facilitate the final transfer.” While this has been independently verify, hard to website has not been Globix’ ing since November, functionstatement was put up when a ‘We will not be taking reading: on any more accounts’. When contacted by Press for comment, the Olive the alleged boss of Globix dismissed allegations against him all the and his
X
PANDEMICS, Brexit and vanishing distributors…None of them have been enough to stop the printers rolling for the Gibraltar Olive Press. Yes, it has certainly been a testing eight years since we launched our first edition in October 2015. Aside from the economy, border issues and of course, the horrors of Brexit (which Gibraltarians coincidentally voted 99% against), we have made it to our 200th issue. Even our very first issue was a battle, when our distributor, John Munn, failed to show up to pick up the 10,000 copies, as contracted. But we pulled through and have had a steady stream of top exclusives and investigations, ever since.
From Franco’s 50’s pamphlet on how to be a ‘good wife’ to femaleonly bookshops and a trio of woman at the top Spanish firms...
The
DOUBLE CENTURY Globix boss led ‘lavish lifestyle’
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Globix crypto wallets after the exchange had locked hundreds of investors out of their funds in early 2022. In a previous hearing, the court heard Carreras has not been cooperating with London-based firm Begbies Traynor to produce the relevant documents. Scan here for your customised quote:
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SETTING THE SCENE
WOMEN had a packed Garrison Library on howdiscussion at the to increase their role in society. The talk, led by Minister for Equality Samantha Sacramento, was to set the scene for today’s International Women’s Day. The focus of the discussion the women of Gibraltar?’, was, ‘Where are talking about the historical facts that influence women’s participation in everyday life. Sacramento is currently Gibraltar’s government. the only woman in The fireside chat started to the audience before with presentations speeches from leading women. Dr Jennifer Ballantine of the Gibraltar GarrisonPerera, Director about the cultural norms Library, talked from advancing in society.that keep women Ministry of Equality Policy Development Officer Marlene Dalli then spoke about how women were under-represen ted and its impact on the social order. After the speeches, the an open discussion on women moved on to the topics at hand. “This has been a wonderfully inclusive gathering and such a good way to kick start future International Women’s Day events this month,” Ballantine Perera said. “The aim is to bring about a greater understanding change through of how we as a society feel about these important questions.” Sacramento said she was ‘huge appetite for these impressed by the discussions’ as the event was over-subscribed She revealed that she . launch a series of these had planned to fireside chats before COVID-19 hit so to pick up on the idea. she was enthusiastic “This is the first of a series which will serve to keep of fireside chats the conversation going but, more importantly, the ongoing work we undertake will inform at the Ministry of Equality.” ‘Embrace Equity’ is the International Women’s theme of this year’s Day.
MIND THE GAP
DISPARITIES in pay women in Andalucia between men and pending on province. vary by over 15% deWhile the gap is just 12.5% in Almeria, it rises to as much as 28.3% And while the difference in Huelva. in salary in Malaga (19.8%) is close to the national average of 20.05% it means men year, while women get make €20,003 per The most alarming €15,992. statistic however, is that across Spain the pay widening, with the Gesthagap appears to be union claiming it grew by €120 between 2020 and 2021.
Internatio
Women’snal Day
March 2023
Under represented
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Grim stats
See our International Women’s Day pullout inside
A special four-page pullout www.theolivepress.es
OUR BRILLIANCE IS IN OUR DIVERS ITY
THERE are ries about 250% more news cording to men than women, stoa new study. acThe report by Spanish Llorente & Cuenca, firm, that women also reveals headlines. feature 21% less in the Moreover, when women pear in articles do FOR women explicit mentionthere is often apa demanding looking to embark an of their gender and family on sector, making career in the prominent and their sex is health sure they amount for more than their earn a fair “An example identity. a driving their hard work would be; could be could be relocate. factor in deciding where ‘A woman WOMAN’S US’ ratherthe new president to Spain has of the than ‘Kamala home. And place is in the strong candidate countries been named one of Harris is a In fact, it the boardroom. for presidency’,” a spokesman according for women in healththe top is anywhere to new data care, damn pleases, explained, that there The country, by Lenstore. adding this particularlyshe is a bias, women invisible found to offer at ninth position, which makes But day and age in Spain. in as another some of the was and anonymous. tunities in best opporold adage woman’s Europe. goes, a This is down there is nowork is never done. It is both to a number including average workingof factors fight twice doubt, we often haveAnd ing that in exhausting and astonishyearly salary, 2023 women as hard to to fight hours, deserve and get still have to Speaking of the the number holiday allowance speak twice the pay we Take for the bare minimum. of women future, have our and continues equal as loud to in the industry. voices heard to pay women one that But upon closer inspection THE average place. forward in pay. It is fairly straight- men or discriminates in the workless than store study, Spain principle: of the Len20% less thanwoman in Spain You’d be ty of opportunity creating equali- one is a discredit and the rest against any- rope have a long hard pressed for all, irrespective to us have suffered men and half of earns woman, even of gender, Businesses ity is achieved. way to go until of Euto equalshould of all. What’s more, abuse at work. them been called in 2023, who find a orientation. race, religion or making gender course be In Spain the hasn’t the But somehow sexual pay average equality and for health and unpaid The burden of or ‘gorgeous’ ‘darling’, ‘sweetheart’ biggest a key some equal €29,800 professionals female pay women whilework falls mainlycare boardroom. in the office, and struggle to brains in business of is the right foundation of success. stands at lower than grasp the thing to do. even As on And companies It erage annual the doors to management concept. still Indeed it is we face sadly, that’s close salary for €39,616 ava shame According men. turn in the another economic the positions. the ly. Complaining getting off that in 2021 Meanwhile in France, wake of coronavirusdown- had Spanish Government ranked Institute to the Spanish National of ‘compliments’about these light- as the Ukraine no choice felt they to be as the best countrywhich was and ensure war starts but often isn’t kinds again it is a female healthcare in Europe salary for of Statistics, the average your breath, that women to intervene to al, women clearer than to ramp up are worth old professionwhereas formen in Spain is €26,369 brushed off since it’ll most likely ever that our given the same in the country €7,000 a still make an average be turn.systems are failing Moreover, women it is €21,682. of banter.’ by colleagues as pay as men. year less us at every Now businesses of counterparts. a ‘bit It 93,6% of than their work part-time A working they are doing, have to share is time to challenge male people what The UK came because dren and the to take care of who has to pickwoman now knows and do away be trusted the status to do the right they can’t with average in sixth place overall, chil- tunately her battles, she quo elderly are with And the Ministry women. and unfor- of working - and outdated modes Just look at women thing. lower than female pay at £30,059, a women need the £43,953 of Equality that 57.3% dinosaurs daily scuffle with balding helping to Research in healthcare. al salary average annustates ment last year found usher of women to be was over terms for men. gender violence have one of the of endear- Women are just in the new dawn. - or endowment that Spain and 13.2% suffered sidelined fered sexual - has to be determined as as productive and female health best places to be have suffor more pressing violence. a their professional such as pay, matters parts, and businessesmale counter- rope, ranking eighth, in Eusic respect. fair treatment and ognise tors while ba- quotas this. And not justneed to rec- the and nurses are ranked its doctop three because of but to build among es and a better A cause for in Europe. better celebration? future for business- male SPAIN has Hardly. doctors and everyone. nurses here Fe- mentary far more female earning an WOMEN parliarepresentation average of don’t take €10,000 are average washing powder. their kids than to school in than their less The 252 in European countries. the A recent study heels carrying women sitting has found c o u n t e r male upper and a box of trayals of themselves in Spain’s that 94% parts lower (see The questionnaire in advertisingof women don’t Healthy sent 42.4% of seats,houses reprewage, from 17 sectors, of 2000 women campaigns. identify with porabove a European average compared to right). used in adverts. found they totally who were shown a global share of 31.1% and Indeed, accordingdisagreed with 20,000 adverts while women And for The figures, of 26.6%. the way they to the collated feel properly make up 88% of who brandthose lysts IPU are consumer study by Havas Media, Parline, revealby anathe Europe Meanwhile represented. decisions, fight for an alarming 40% of ads that in Users’ Communication pay as equal countries the most represented are ‘sexist’ 6% propaaccording Sometimes (AUC). ganda coming (47.6%), for women are Iceland to the Association Andorra, gent into theit’s a case of ‘sneaky from ‘male-hat- 46.4%) Norway of Sweden In the UK machine for examplesexism’ - a woman (46.2%), (both ing feminists’, (45.5%), Finland Denmark outrage, it an NHS stay at home - while at other pouring deterremember gium (42.7%) times it's overt. had to be (43.6%) the kids, mopping, removed. Covid ad (right) Belsticking it we’re nia (42.5%). and North MacedoIt portrayed caused so while, her while ironing to the much a woman husband sat man, not men. This puts on the sofa.with a baby in her at home with Spain at Our brilliance rope arms. Meanninth is The and 22nd in the world.in Euin our diversity. country with EQUALITY: Recognise male parliamentarians the most But not in it. feUK homes Celebrate by share according it. Re- is Rwanda (61.3%) ward it. And to NHS Cuba re- (51.7%).(53.4%) and followed by ward it equally. Nicaragua That’s just The UK is good 34.5% 48th world-wide business sense. of its parliamentarians with being women.
AN UNFAIR
PORTRAYAL
HEALTHY WAGE
Please reward Madrid-based women equally, expat journalist insists Fiona Govan
In power
MISSING: Carreras failed to show at court and (above) our first exclusive report
Kidnap
While many of the crypto wallets have been identified and frozen, Carreras and Sidirov have refused to identify their own personal wallets. However, they were finally uncovered by fellow crypto firm, Binance, which has now disclosed them. Carreras previously released a statement declaring his ‘respect for the legal process and my willingness to cooperate in every way possible.’ Sidirov maintains that the ‘funds disappeared in Ukraine’ and that he only received ‘€200,000 to €300,000’ for his
role running the platform ‘as a freelancer.’ Yet the Ukraine tale, prompted by the reported kidnapping of Sidirov in Alicante last year, has been labelled ‘unreliable’. Liquidators hired to unravel the inner workings of the crypto exchange and trace the missing funds consider it to be a wild good chase, according to court documents.
PIC CREDIT: David Nutter
Vol. 8 Issue 200
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