Authorities investigating the puzzling death of the fashion mogul have started looking into his son after noticing several inconsistencies at the scene, particularly indications that the billionaire may have “jumped” off a cliff.
Isak Andic, the 71-year-old founder of the Mango clothing brand, died on December 14, 2024, after plunging 500 feet from a cliff near his northern Spain home.
His son Jonathan, aged 45 and the only one present during the incident, was arrested on Tuesday under suspicion of his father’s death but currently has not been charged. A judge’s report indicated there was “sufficient evidence to consider the suspect criminally responsible for the crime of murder.”
Jonathan maintains his innocence, and his family has defended him in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The report suggests that various suspicious elements led the police to investigate Jonathan Andick for his father’s murder.
The judge noted that there was indeed “sufficient evidence to hold the suspect criminally responsible for the crime of murder.”
On the day of his death, Isak—an experienced hiker enjoying the outdoors—was allegedly walking with his son along a less-traveled route in Montserrat National Park, which is frequently visited by families and school groups, according to the report.
Evidence indicated that the footprints Jonathan claimed belonged to his father did not support the idea that Isak fell accidentally.
Forensic analysis suggested that Isak Andic’s injuries were inconsistent with a simple fall; instead, it appeared as though he had jumped.
Spanish investigators found further inconsistencies in Jonathan’s statements.
He initially claimed he was walking ahead of his father and didn’t witness the fall but later changed that narrative to say they were walking together, according to the report.
Jonathan also mentioned having taken a photo of his father moments before the fall, yet authorities discovered Isak’s cellphone in his pocket upon recovery.
He reported that his phone had been stolen during a brief trip to Ecuador, coinciding with when media mentioned a reopening of the investigation into his father’s death set for October 2025.
The judge noted that Jonathan had visited the location of his father’s fall three times in the week leading up to Isak’s death, suggesting he might have been “planning and investigating” the area.
Isak Andic, one of Spain’s wealthiest individuals at the time, founded the Mango fashion empire and was born into a Jewish family in Turkey before striking it rich in Spain, with an estimated net worth of $4.5 billion, according to Forbes.
While the motive for the alleged murder remains unclear, the report pointed out that Jonathan was aware of his father’s intentions to change his will.
In mid-2024, Jonathan learned about plans to adjust the will and establish a foundation aimed at aiding those in need.
At this stage, he apparently sought to mend his relationship with Isak by suggesting a hiking trip as a means of reconnecting.
After his arrest, Jonathan Andic, who now chairs the family’s holding company, posted $1.16 million bail.
If charged with murder, he will face a jury trial, although the timing of this is uncertain, potentially placing one of Spain’s prominent families back in the media’s spotlight.
