Trial in Llucmajor: German contractor allegedly defrauded finca owner of 200,000 euros

When the rain came, the finca was underwater

It sounds like one of those nuisances you'd rather overlook: a roof that needs renewing, an invoice that keeps growing, and a construction site that suddenly comes to a halt. In Sa Torre near Llucmajor, such a project spiraled out of control in 2017 — now the case goes before the regional court.

What it's about

The indictment accuses a German construction contractor of demanding around 200,000 euros for renovations to the terrace, roof and insulation, but not having worked as agreed. The written contract reportedly also included the engagement of an architect and the provision that the project would be paid after completion. In addition, the necessary steps with the town hall were supposed to be carried out — apparently this did not happen.

A year after construction began, the municipal administration opened a procedure and ordered the work to stop. Neighbours say the site suddenly stood still, the scaffolding remained up and the roof was only partially covered. I remember a rain shower in autumn 2017. The next morning the damp smell filled the house, says a resident who wishes to remain anonymous.

Damage and accusations

The prosecutor accuses the defendant of having accepted the roof but not applying waterproofing — even though he allegedly knew that an open area would let water in. The result: flooding inside the interior and repair costs of about 7,914 euros. Overall the prosecutor seeks, in addition to a prison sentence of one and a half years, a fine of at least 5,400 euros and compensation totaling around 16,000 euros.

The owner of the finca, visibly annoyed after the long back-and-forth, wants full clarification in court. You entrust someone and in the end you are standing in the rain, he recently said in an interview — softly, somewhat reserved.

What happens next

The trial begins next week before the regional court. It will be about whether agreements were actually breached, whether formalities were botched or deliberately ignored, and whether the construction contractor is liable for the damages. For residents and neighbours, the case is a small but clear example of how quickly renovation plans can turn into trouble.

I have seen construction sites in the area myself: half-finished roofs, workers coming and going, and owners wavering between frustration and legal steps. This case reminds us to always check documents, quotes and permits carefully — and if in doubt, ask twice before charging the account.

Note: All figures cited come from the indictment; the court will now decide the legal status of the case.