Flag Campaign Chief Confronts Major Spanish Fraud Trial
Ryan Bridge, a leading figure in the controversial Raise the Colours flag campaign championed by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, is facing a potential eight-year prison sentence in Spain. The legal pursuit centres on allegations that Bridge was a key player in a sophisticated holiday sickness scam targeting British tourists.
From Patriotism to Prosecution: The Details of the Alleged Scam
Spanish authorities have been investigating Bridge, 44, from Worcestershire, for his alleged role as a ringleader in a plot that encouraged holidaymakers to submit bogus compensation claims for food poisoning that never occurred. The legal action is being driven by lawyers representing three separate hotel groups who claim to have been defrauded.
In a detailed indictment, the Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM) outlined the alleged mechanics of the operation. It stated that entities run by the accused, UK Holiday Claims and Nationwide, knowingly filed false claims against tour operators. They allegedly provided receipts for medicines bought in Majorca to fabricate evidence of illness, all while being aware that "there was no poisoning whatsoever."
Despite public prosecutors initially deciding not to press charges, an investigating magistrate, Maria Perez Ruiz, found "ample evidence of criminal activity." As a result, lawyers for the hoteliers are using their right under Spanish law to pursue criminal prosecutions. Two legal teams are seeking an eight-year sentence for Bridge for aggravated fraud and membership of a criminal gang, while the FEHM is pursuing a five-year term for the same charges.
Political Links and Controversial Views
Bridge's legal troubles stand in stark contrast to his public profile as a leader of Raise the Colours, a movement that claims to promote unity and patriotism through displaying flags. The group's website states it has raised over £75,000.
The movement has received significant endorsement from Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Earlier this month, Robinson shared a Raise the Colours post featuring a video of Bridge on the French coast, boasting about a "migrant boat" being "destroyed." Robinson praised the group, saying, "These lads are smashing it."
However, Bridge's activism has been mired in controversy. In a recently uncovered speech, he ranted that "unvetted refugees are not welcome" and claimed "they're murderers, killers." In another video this month, he was seen accosting a man apparently from Egypt outside a hotel, demanding to know why he had come to England. The BBC reported last month that villagers in areas where Bridge erected flags said non-white people felt scared, with one resident stating, "Some people have been in tears because of the clear far-right racism that these flags represent."
A Long-Running Legal Battle Reaches its Climax
The holiday sickness case has been years in the making. The Sunday Mirror first revealed Bridge's connection to the alleged racket in 2018. Last year, it was confirmed that while public prosecutors opted against accusations, the hoteliers' lawyers decided to proceed to trial against Bridge and seven other British suspects.
Bridge and alleged ringleader Laura Holmes Cameron previously tried to halt the prosecution, arguing that Spanish courts had no jurisdiction because the claims were made in the UK. Appeal judges dismissed this plea after lawyers for the hotel groups successfully argued that crimes intrinsic to the scam were committed in Spain.
Investigating magistrate Maria Perez Ruiz has indicated that the amount of compensation obtained in the UK "far exceeded" €200,000 (£176,000). Carolina Ruiz, the lawyer prosecuting on behalf of Mac Hotels, confirmed to reporters, "All we're waiting for now is a trial date. Ryan Bridge is one of the eight people we are taking action against." She submitted her indictment in November 2023, calling for a six-year sentence for fraud and a two-year sentence for criminal organisation membership.
The trial is set to take place at Majorca’s Provincial Court, marking a critical juncture for the flag campaign chief whose public persona is now directly challenged by serious legal allegations.
