In early 2019, officers from the organized crime unit arrested Asdrúbal Casares, who at the time was heading the tax inspection in Vigo. With more than thirty years of experience in combating financial fraud, his arrest marked the beginning of a high-profile investigation that continues to prompt many questions.
Casares is accused of involvement in an elaborate scheme in which, according to prosecutors, he and his close associates—a former partner and two consultants—helped companies struggling with tax issues in exchange for cash payments. After his arrest, Casares spent nearly three months in Teixeiro prison in A Coruña. His home and office were searched, with both electronic equipment and cash seized.
The investigation began long before the arrest and dragged on for nearly a decade. During this time, the number of witnesses and defendants dropped significantly, as the evidence for several incidents proved insufficient. However, prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison sentence for Casares, accusing him of taking bribes, leaking official information, conducting illegal transactions, and money laundering. The defense, meanwhile, insists the case has collapsed due to lack of evidence and is demanding its closure.
How the scheme worked and key events
The accusations are based on statements from entrepreneurs who claimed they were offered help resolving tax issues for a certain fee. One of the key complaints came from a businessman suspected of large-scale VAT refund fraud. He was eventually acquitted, and the tax authorities were required to return a substantial sum to him.
According to investigators, Casares shared confidential information with his consultant acquaintances—Francisco González del Pino and Pablo González Tenorio. They contacted companies under audit, offering their services to reduce fines and resolve matters with the tax authorities. Allegedly, they received payments for these services, some of which may have gone to Casares. However, no direct evidence was found that the former official himself received money.
Financial transactions and repercussions
The investigation also revealed that Casares provided consulting services to several firms through intermediaries, and even through a company registered in his wife’s name. He is also accused of attempting to hide some of the funds in accounts in Switzerland, part of which was later transferred back to Spain via bank transfers.
Prosecutors are seeking six years and three months in prison for Casares, as well as fines exceeding 232,000 euros. His accomplices also face various prison terms and financial penalties. The defense argues there is no direct evidence, pointing to the protracted nature of the proceedings and the fact that the most serious charges have been dropped.
The conclusion of the story and next steps
After his release from custody, Casares tried to return to his former post, but was denied and had to retire upon reaching the age of 65. The case is now in its final stages, with jury hearings expected no earlier than 2026. The outcome of this process could set a precedent for the entire regional tax system.
