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Son of Mango founder arrested on suspicion of murder over billionaire father’s mountain death plunge

Forbes had estimated Mr Andic's net worth shortly before his death at $4.5 billion, making him Catalonia's richest man

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Catalan regional police officers escort Jonathan Andic, the son of Isak Andic, founder of Spanish fashion brand Mango, as he arrives at a court in Martorell, near Barcelona, following his arrest on Tuesday
Catalan regional police officers escort Jonathan Andic, the son of Isak Andic, founder of Spanish fashion brand Mango, as he arrives at a court in Martorell, near Barcelona, following his arrest on Tuesday. Picture: Getty

By Georgia Rowe

Jonathan Andic, the son of Mango founder Isak Andic, has been arrested in Barcelona on suspicion of murdering his father after the tycoon died in a horror mountain fall in 2024.

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The 45-year-old was detained on Tuesday morning after a police and court investigation, Catalan daily La Vanguardia reported.

Jonathan is now on his way to a court in Martorell, near Barcelona, where a judge will take his statement.

He has always denied wrongdoing and has maintained that his 71-year-old father died in an accident.

A Mossos d'Esquadra spokesman said: “I can confirm the detention of Jonathan Andic on suspicion of the homicide of his father, Isak Andic.”

Isak, founder of popular high street chain Mango, had been hiking near Barcelona with Jonathan when he died on December 14, 2024.

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Isak Andic pictured at a Mango collection launch in Paris, 2011
Isak Andic pictured at a Mango collection launch in Paris, 2011. Picture: Getty

At the time, Spanish media reported the 71-year-old fell down a ravine while hiking in the heart of Catalonia.

El Pais, a local newspaper, said that the Turkish-born businessman plunged down a 150m ravine in the Monteserrat mountains.

In statements made at the time, Jonathan said while the pair were on their way back to the car park after finishing their hike, he had heard the sound of stones falling behind him.

The 45-year-old had been walking ahead but turned to see his father fall off the cliff at an un-fenced point. Isak died instantly.

The businessman was revealed as a suspect in the investigation last October – nearly a year after his father's death – after investigators found “contradictory statements” and “grey areas” in Jonathan’s two accounts of the ordeal.

Isak Andic's eldest son, Jonathan Andic arrives at his father's funeral in December 2024
Jonathan Andic arrives at his father's funeral in December 2024. Picture: Getty

A statement from Mango at the time read: "It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our Non-Executive Chairman and founder of Mango, in an accident that occurred this Saturday."

The statement added: "His legacy reflects the achievements of a business project marked by success, and also by his human quality, his proximity and the care and affection that he has always and at all times conveyed to the entire organization.

"His departure leaves a huge void, but we are all, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements. It is up to us, and this is the best tribute we can make to Isak and which we will fulfill, to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak aspired to and of which he would be proud."

Jonathan pictured leaving the Juzgado de Instruccion 5 in Martorell after paying the one million euro bail on Tuesday
Jonathan pictured leaving the Juzgado de Instruccion 5 in Martorell after paying the one million euro bail on Tuesday. Picture: Getty

Isak founded Mango with his brother Nahman in 1984.

By March 2024, the brand had more than 2,700 stores operating in over 110 countries, with 45 stores in the UK.

Forbes had estimated Mr Andic's net worth shortly before his death at $4.5 billion, making him Catalonia's richest man.