Reuters reported on 27th October that Spanish police have arrested 51 people as part of a graft investigation involving local government construction contracts, the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office said on Monday.
The investigation, “Operation Punica” — centred around town halls mainly in the regions of Madrid, Murcia, Leon and Valencia — is one of numerous corruption scandals that have hit Spain’s mainstream political parties and many bankers in recent months.
“The collusion between local councillors and civil servants, with builders and energy service companies, and the corruption of middle-men and key companies, has helped them to secure contracts worth around 250 million euros ($300 million) in the last two years alone,” the prosecutor said in a statement.
A judicial source said one of those arrested was Francisco Granados, a former conservative deputy president of the Madrid region who resigned in February after it was revealed he had millions of euros in a Swiss bank account.
Information from Switzerland has helped Operation Punica, and investigators have issued search warrants on 259 properties, 400 banks, companies and insurers, blocked current accounts and assets and embargoed 30 vehicles. (Reporting by Raquel Castillo; Writing by Paul Day; Editing by Sarah Morris and Louise Ireland)
Comment
Excellent, robust, anti-corruption work by the Spanish police.
- Portuguese Environment Agency identifies beach capacities
- Minister of Internal Administration intends to keep border controls with Spain for time being
- GNR starts monitoring and enforcement action in respect on non-compliance of cleaning land
- Reopening of Citizens stores
- Earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 on the Richter scale felt early this morning in São Miguel Azores
- Community religious ceremonies return today
- PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES THIRD PHASE OF DE-CONFINEMENT
- Weekly Crime Prevention and Enforcement Report
- Portugual – Spain Border crossings
- Prime Minister’s Statement on the Economic and Social Stabilisation Program 27th May
- Experts and politicians meet today to analyse the epidemiological situation of covid-19
- Festivals and similar events may take place
- Covid-19 Misleading advertisements on disinfectans and masks
- SEF announces simplified measures for granting and renewal of foreign citizen residence permits
- Trial of 12 people accused of being involved in the theft of 55 Glock weapon starts 8th June
