Tuesday evening in the small Andalusian town of Fines was anything but calm. Mayor Rodrigo Sánchez, looking tired and clearly shaken, left the office of one of his companies escorted by members of the Civil Guard. He was headed toward Almería, where he would spend the night not at home, but in a police station.
Along with him, six other people were detained, including the head of the provincial Diputación. They all face suspicions of involvement in illegal schemes when awarding municipal contracts, as well as accusations of bribery, embezzlement, and money laundering. The investigation is being carried out under strict secrecy, but details have already leaked onto the town’s streets.
Town in shock: an atmosphere of suspicion and silence
The day began with a surprise police visit for the residents of Fines. Flashing lights, police dogs, and commotion outside the mayor’s house quickly became the main topic in local cafés and on the streets. People exchanged rumors—some voiced support for the detained official, others were openly pleased by his arrest. But most preferred to stay silent, fearing possible repercussions.
In a town where almost everyone knows each other, everything seemed to stand still. Against the backdrop of construction work and the familiar clatter of dominoes in the seniors’ club, conversations about what happened were held in hushed tones. Many recalled that during Sánchez’s tenure, Fines had seen numerous new projects—from renovated streets to a modern marble-clad town hall. Now, however, these achievements are overshadowed by suspicion.
Family ties and old scandals
The story of the Sánchez family has long raised questions among locals. The mayor’s son has appeared in court before: the first case was dismissed, then he was sentenced for illegal construction, but later acquitted. In 2021, he was again detained as part of an investigation linked to the procurement of medical masks. That same year, the mayor’s nephew, who held a high position in the Deputation, was also arrested.
Investigators believe Faines was the starting point for an entire network of companies that landed lucrative contracts for supplying medical goods. Other relatives of Sánchez are also implicated, as well as associates connected to firms suspected of money laundering through fictitious deals.
Residents caught between fear and fatigue
An atmosphere of mistrust prevails in the town. Most people prefer not to talk about what’s happening, concerned about their reputations or even their jobs. Only a few publicly express satisfaction over the mayor’s arrest, recalling old grievances and wondering why the investigation only started now.
As police continued searches in offices and homes, confiscated documents—and even hunting rifles—were carried out in front of the few bystanders. Sánchez’s lawyer stayed close to his client, constantly on the phone and watching the investigators’ every move.
The scandal in Fainese has dealt a real blow to the local community. A city long proud of its achievements now finds itself at the center of a high-profile investigation, and its residents face a choice: stay silent or seek answers to uncomfortable questions.
