The organisation of agricultural enterprises (COAG) in Malaga has raised concerns over an alleged fraud by the Almerian company La Unión, affecting greenhouse and subtropical vegetable growers. The suspected non-payment exceeds 400,000 euros and involves 16 families specializing in crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.
La Unión entered insolvency proceedings last summer but has since resumed operations. COAG claims the non-payment issue is linked to a front company, Uperfresh, appearing on unpaid invoices. Legal action is underway in the Vélez-Málaga court, where COAG has staged a demonstration due to stalled proceedings.
The commercial relationship between the farmers and La Unión ended abruptly in late 2021 after repeated non-payments. Farmers noticed invoices were issued under a different company name, Uperfresh, with which they had no prior dealings.
COAG Malaga states that legal processes have been delayed, with documentation awaiting assignment to an official. "Justice has paralysed the complaint and the file for a year," said Antonio Rodríguez, COAG's provincial secretary. The complaint was filed in February 2024, yet remains unresolved.
Rodríguez emphasized the broader implications, stating, "This situation not only affects these 16 families but also those who may face similar circumstances due to the alleged scam." The call for public awareness aims to address perceived institutional inaction.
Source: SUR