A MAN who claims to have 2,000 malignant tumours and launched an online appeal for funds to pay for treatment has been arrested on suspicion of fraud in a case which mirrors that of 11-year-old Nadia, whose parents are believed to have spent millions raised for treating the schoolgirl's rare health condition on general household expenses.
Paco Sanz González de Martos, 46, from La Pobla de Vallbona (Valencia province) says he suffers from Cowden's Syndrome which, among other conditions, leaves the patient with a very high risk of developing cancerous tumours – and in his case, he says he has over 2,000 in his body.
But a judge considers 'evidence' shows Sanz spent the funds donated to him – which included those raised through a concert featuring several national celebrities – not on medical treatment for his condition, but on 'manifestly different ends'.
In fact, police even say they are 'working on the possibility' that the accused may not be seriously ill at all and never intended to go to the USA for treatment, as he claimed.
During a search on Sanz's home, his parents were arrested and charged with aiding and abetting, but have since been released pending trial.
Sanz has been remanded in custody without bail, charged with fraud, theft and money-laundering.
He was briefly treated in hospital during the police raid because of a sudden spike in blood pressure, and his solicitor maintains Sanz is seriously ill.
The lawyer says officers found 'nothing of relevance' in his house, despite their confiscating various papers.
