A major scandal is unfolding in Estepona surrounding the city’s mayor, José María García Urbano, who could end up in the dock. The judge of the city’s fifth investigative court has ruled that there is sufficient evidence for a trial over possible embezzlement of public funds. At the center of the case is a contract awarded to a woman with whom the mayor reportedly has a close personal relationship, and who, according to investigators, did not perform any actual duties in her position.
According to the case files, in February 2023, at the mayor’s order, the woman was appointed as an advisor in the city council’s external oversight department. However, after just a month and a half—in late March—she was dismissed, having received more than five thousand euros during that time. Investigators claim there is no evidence of her having done any professional work: no reports, no office visits, not even a workplace assigned.
The judge notes that this type of employment arrangement appears to be a sham, and the funds received may qualify as unlawful enrichment. The case implicates both the mayor, as the direct organizer, and his acquaintance as an accomplice. Both could face charges for misappropriating municipal funds.
Details of the investigation
The investigation revealed that the mayor and the woman were connected not only professionally but also personally. An examination of their messenger correspondence showed that for a year prior to her appointment, the mayor regularly transferred her money — totaling around 21,000 euros. According to the woman, these funds were used to pay rent and cover personal expenses.
Interestingly, shortly after these transfers stopped, she was almost immediately appointed as an advisor in the mayor’s office. At the same time, case files indicate that she had neither an office, nor a designated workspace, nor even a work schedule. In her testimony, the woman admitted that the only time she went to city hall was to sign her employment contract.
Colleagues in the administration confirmed that such appointments are made exclusively at the mayor’s discretion and that there is no oversight of job performance. Official documents stated that the new employee was supposed to monitor the condition of city streets, lighting, and urban improvement. However, according to the court, all this could be assessed visually, and the woman herself was living in Córdoba during this period, making it nearly impossible for her to fulfill her duties.
Defense position
The mayor’s lawyers maintain his complete innocence and insist that the case is purely political. They argue that the extension of the investigation is necessary so that García Urbano has the chance to defend his reputation and refute the allegations.
At the end of November, the defense requested to have the case dismissed, but the court refused, stating that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the investigation. As an additional measure, the mayor voluntarily deposited into the city treasury an amount equal to what his acquaintance had received—more than five thousand euros. According to administration officials, this was done solely for transparency and does not constitute an admission of guilt.
City Hall believes the accusations were fabricated by the opposition and are aimed at discrediting the head of the city. Administration representatives have called the proceedings an ‘unjust political campaign’ with the goal of removing García Urbano from office and undermining his reputation among the residents of Estepona.
Contradictions in Testimonies
During the proceedings, significant discrepancies emerged between the explanations from both sides. While official documents cite the need for oversight of municipal management, the mayor himself claims that his advisor was supposed to analyze public opinion on social media and monitor residents’ sentiments.
The judge points out that it has still not been established what, exactly, the woman did during her period of employment. The lack of documents confirming her work, as well as the fact that she lived in another city, further fuel suspicions that her employment was fictitious.
As a result, the court ruled to extend the investigation for another six months to fully clarify all the circumstances of the case and determine the degree of responsibility of each of those involved.
Public response
The scandal surrounding the mayor of Estepona has sparked significant public outcry and intense debate in the local media. Many residents are demanding transparency and an objective investigation, while others see what is happening as a political attack on a popular leader.
In January of this year, the court had already closed another case against García Urbano related to allegations of harassment and pressure on a municipal employee and his spouse. At that time, the court found no grounds to pursue criminal charges.
Currently, public attention is focused on this new case, which could affect the mayor’s political career and change the balance of power in the municipality.
In case you’re unaware, José María García Urbano has served as mayor of Estepona since 2011 and is considered one of the key political figures in the city. Over the years, he has repeatedly faced criticism and investigations, yet has maintained the support of a significant portion of the population. Estepona is one of the fastest-growing cities on the Costa del Sol, known for its urban development and tourism projects. García Urbano himself is a former notary and is regarded as an experienced administrator, although his name has repeatedly surfaced in high-profile scandals.
