A major corruption scandal is unfolding in Almería: the judge investigating the procurement of medical masks for the Diputación de Almería has uncovered serious evidence implicating former provincial head Javier Aureliano García and his ex-deputy Fernando Giménez in receiving illegal commissions. Both politicians, who previously held key positions in the local administration, were detained following the release of a court order detailing their possible roles in manipulating government contracts.
Encrypted chats and suspicious conversations
At the center of the investigation are message exchanges between García, Giménez, and former vice president of the Diputación Óscar Liria. Investigators discovered that since 2017, the officials actively communicated in a group chat called Naranjito, using an unusual ‘dental’ slang. Messages regularly mentioned trips to the dentist, teeth cleaning, and cavity treatments, all while negotiations for multimillion-euro medical supply contracts were underway.
The judge noted that such terminology was used excessively and was clearly out of context with the topics under discussion. Investigators believe that these ‘dental’ expressions were actually coded agreements about the distribution of kickbacks and discussions of shady deals. One particularly striking detail was when one of these messages was sent just minutes after a contract for the supply of masks worth two million euros was signed.
Cash transactions and family ties
In addition to the correspondence, the court was interested in large sums of cash controlled by the former head of the Diputación. The case files mention regular mortgage payments totaling nearly 20,000 euros, made via ATMs in Roquetas de Mar and El Ejido into the account of García’s sister. Investigators suspect that this relative may have been involved in a money laundering scheme, as the origin of these funds is dubious.
Another suspicious transaction involved handing over 20,000 euros in cash for a plot of land. The judge pointed out that the origin of these funds was not backed by official bank documents, which is especially concerning given García’s status as a public official. In addition, scrutiny fell on his purchase of a 100% stake in a property that previously belonged to all his brothers, with no clear bank transfers to cover the remaining payment.
Complex financial schemes and the defense’s response
The investigation is also examining numerous banking transactions between García, his brothers, and the jointly owned property they established—known as comunidad de bienes García Molina. According to the court, this structure may have been used to legitimize funds obtained illegally and to introduce them into the legal economy. Case materials indicate that this scheme could have operated with the involvement of several family members.
García’s lawyer insists that all financial transactions were declared and reflected in his client’s tax returns. However, the court continues to investigate the origin of the funds and is analyzing the possible involvement of García’s relatives in money laundering.
Ongoing Investigation and New Developments
The investigation into the mask procurement case at Diputación de Almería is ongoing. The judge emphasizes that the uncovered facts are only part of a larger scheme that may involve additional public officials. New interrogations are expected soon, which could potentially expand the list of suspects.
For now, former provincial leaders remain under investigation, while the people of Almería are closely following the unfolding events. The scandal over the purchase of medical supplies at the height of the pandemic once again raises questions about the transparency of government contracts and the accountability of officials for public spending.
