A mood of anxiety dominated the scene after the arrest of a renowned Valencian fashion designer. Reports from Levante-EMV, part of the Prensa Ibérica group, described the designer as unsettled following the arrest on a charge tied to alleged crimes involving a minor. He was later released with instructions to appear before a judge as the case progressed toward a formal investigation.
The arrest, reported by Levante-EMV, was one of several carried out by Civil Guard agents as part of an operation that appeared to target a network involved in coercion and exploitation. A pattern emerged of individuals who, while engaged in the fashion world, were linked to a scheme aimed at men with resources who were manipulated into sexual acts with minors. The scheme reportedly relied on secrecy, blackmail, and financial demands to prevent the spread of compromising footage. Among the six people detained in connection with the operation, Montesinos was one of the suspects connected to the same disturbing circumstances, though his role in the scheme remained under scrutiny as investigators pursued the full story. Current inquiries suggest that those suspected of sexual assaults against minors were aware of the age of the individuals involved. (Source: Levante-EMV)
Further details show that the case drew intense public attention after a violent incident occurred at the designer’s home in the town of Llíria, Valencia. Two masked men reportedly entered the residence where Montesinos was staying with a friend. The assailants demanded money, assaulted, and restrained the tailor. This incident was described as the culmination of a year marked by threats and blackmail. Initial extortion demands reached as high as half a million euros, then dropping to ten thousand euros when the suspect refused to pay in order to avoid the dissemination of footage involving a minor. (Source: Levante-EMV)
The period of coercion affected several people connected to Montesinos, including a journalist, director, and producer who had documented the designer’s career. Malu Zamora, a prominent figure in the production company La Quinta de Malu producciones, endured the strain of those threats. Zamora watched the situation unfold from the front lines, describing the emotional impact on Montesinos as deeply distressing. The professional relationship between Zamora and Montesinos, built over years of collaboration, provided an intimate window into the designer’s most challenging moments as the intimidation campaign unfolded. (Source: Levante-EMV)
During the production of a feature film, Montesinos received a blackmailing message on his mobile device. It became clear that the timing of the Civil Guard’s morning interview with him was being weighed against the shooting schedule. At the time, the designer had planned to pursue the complaint for extortion, accompanied by legal counsel. Zamora noted that unforeseen events can arise during filming, and she emphasized that the rule of law should apply equally to all. If investigations confirm the allegations, appropriate actions would follow. The filming plans, originally expected to extend over more than a year, had to accommodate this evolving case. (Source: Levante-EMV)
In discussing the situation, Zamora stressed the importance of legal fairness and the need for consistent procedures in handling such cases. Her account underscored how the backdrop of professional collaboration could intersect with moments of personal risk, especially when a high-profile figure faces accusations or criminal investigations. (Source: Levante-EMV)
6 arrests in this operation
Late in the week, a surprising development refocused attention on the Montesinos case. What began as a personal crisis for the designer evolved into a wider police investigation. Reports indicate that Montesinos transitioned from victim to suspect in the span of months, following an initial arrest on charges related to a minor. The operation led to six detentions in total, including the designer connected to extortion, the two individuals who attacked the designer’s chalet, and two others who were subjected to blackmail. All were released but remained under summons by the Judge of Court No. 5 in Llíria for ongoing inquiries into the case. (Source: Levante-EMV)