A court case is underway in Spain, already being called unprecedented. The defendant: the country’s chief prosecutor, Álvaro García Ortiz. He stands accused of allegedly leaking confidential correspondence to journalists, material tied to a major tax fraud investigation. At the center of the scandal is Maxwell Cremona, a company owned by the partner of a prominent political figure — a detail that only fuels public fascination with the case.
The story began back in 2022, when tax inspectors uncovered suspicious activity involving the company. According to their findings, there were fake invoices and tax evasion amounting to more than 350,000 euros. After passing the case to prosecutors, talks began over a possible settlement, but no compromise was reached.
In March 2024, the media published information that investigators believe could only have come from confidential sources. This triggered a storm of debate and a wave of criticism against the prosecutor’s office. In response, the agency released clarifications in an attempt to dispel rumors and restore its reputation. However, the situation escalated further when the country’s Supreme Court launched an investigation targeting the prosecutor general himself. His office and electronic devices were searched, and the public’s attention to the proceedings only intensified.
Key issues and controversies
The trial promises to be complex and multilayered. Over six hearings, judges will listen to dozens of witnesses, including prosecutors and journalists. The main intrigue: will it be possible to prove that García Ortiz was the source of the leak? The prosecution has no direct evidence, but there are indirect clues: deleted files on the defendant’s devices and matches between publication dates and internal activity.
Disagreements have already surfaced in court: some judges believe the available evidence isn’t enough for a conviction, while others insist the suspicions are serious. The central question is where the line lies between official necessity and breaking the law.
Impact on the justice system
This case is already being called a major test for Spain’s entire judicial system. For the first time, such a high-ranking justice official is at the center of this kind of scandal. The outcome could not only affect García Ortiz’s career, but also establish new standards of transparency and accountability for public institutions.
Attention to this case stretches beyond Spain—other European countries are also following developments. No matter the outcome, this trial will go down in history as one of the most high-profile in recent decades.
