Sean Connery has been ordered to answer questions about a Spanish property deal or face possible arrest.

The 82-year-old Scotsman and his wife, Micheline Roquebrune, have been given six months to cooperate with investigations into the sale of a villa in Marbella.

A probe was launched when the property, Casa Malibu, was sold by the couple in 1999 and later turned into 72 apartments.

However, prosecutors claim planning regulations only allowed a maximum of five apartments to be built on the site.

Connery and his wife cited old-age and poor health as reasons for failing to appear at a 2010 hearing, agreeing instead to answer a list of questions in writing.

Three years later the judge, who is still waiting for a response from the James Bond star, has now issued a six-month deadline.

Over 15 people, including former Marbella mayor Julian Munoz and ex-planning chief Juan Antonio Roca, face being tried in connection with the property.

Crimes being investigated in the case include money-laundering, planning violations and tax evasion.

Both Munoz and Roca are currently in jail on corruption charges.

The actor’s wife has previously denied any wrong-doing.

“These allegations of money-laundering are nonsense,” said Roquebrune.

“ We have nothing to do with this. We sold the property and that is it,” she added.