A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday

British and German tourists spend less in the Balearic Islands

In the first half of 2026, the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Formentera recorded higher tourism spending than in the same period of the previous year, but both British and German travellers spent less. 

According to figures from the Balearic Islands Statistics Institute (Ibestat), tourist spending for the two islands rose from €1,407.55 million to €1,525.33 million, but it was less for those who have historically loved the islands. 

British visitors spent €339.71 million between January and June 2025, compared to €335.52 million during the same months of the current year. As for German visitors, they spent €127.38 million and €118.55 million in the respective periods.

Immigration official sentenced to prison for accepting bribes from Chinese migrants

The section chief of the Foreigners’ Office in the northern city of Zamora has been sentenced by the National Court to one year in prison and barred from holding public office, in addition to being fined €2,430 for accepting bribes. 

She was convicted of bribery after admitting to accepting payments to expedite the processing of residence and work permits for Chinese nationals employed by a criminal organisation led by a Chinese tycoon based in Madrid.

The ruling came after a 14-year delay, following a plea agreement with the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office after the dismantling of the international illegal immigration ring involving Chinese nationals in 2012.

Young woman murdered in Benidorm 

The National Police have arrested three men between ages 30 and 45 recently in Benidorm on suspicion of murdering a 33-year-old Brazilian woman. One man was arrested for alleged homicide, while the other two were detained for alleged involvement in covering up the crime.

Officers found out about incident when two men arrived at the police station and reported that an acquaintance had told them he had killed his partner with a knife during an argument.

According to the police, there was no prior record of gender-based violence between the victim and the alleged culprit.

Spain to approve social media ban for under 16s before end of year 

Parliamentary groups will resume negotiations this week on the law protecting minors in the digital environment. The law, which has been dubbed ‘ley de la selva‘ or law of the jungle, includes a ban on social media for those under 16. 

It will be debated on again this Tuesday in the Justice Committee, where the groups are seeking to get it approved before the end of this year. 

The law also includes new offences for platforms that amplify or disseminate content that incites suicide or self-harm, child sexual abuse, sexual deepfakes or content related to hate crimes.