Juan Sánchez, the ex-mayor of Casares (Málaga) was released from prison on bail this afternoon, where he has been since Tuesday, accused of a number of crimes, including collaborating with the Russian mafia.

He was only released after bail of 200,000 euros was posted, and made no statement to waiting journalists.

Sánchez was remanded in custody on a number of corruption and money-laundering charges relating to the Majestic

building project on the Costa de Sol, where 236 houses, 165 accounts at 19 different banks and 19 vehicles have been embargoed.

Eight people have been indicted in the police operation, seven of whom were detained, including Sánchez.  Mr Sánchez's wife was released after posting bail of 10,000 euros.  Other ex-councillors and town council consultants have been released after bail of between 50,000 and 70,000 euros had been posted.

The detainees have been charged with a number of crimes including corruption, money laundering, being involved in organised crime, embezzlement and misappropriation of funds.