The legal proceedings surrounding the Pujol family have once again drawn the attention of Spanish society. This week, the National Court (Audiencia Nacional) was expected to hear crucial testimony that could shed light on the financial schemes involving the former head of Catalonia and his relatives. However, key witnesses unexpectedly exercised their right to remain silent, sparking strong reactions among observers and experts.
The decision by Laura Vila, the wife of Josep Pujol Ferrusola, and Ramón Gironès, brother of the ex-wife of the former president’s eldest son, not to answer questions came as a surprise. Both had been summoned to testify in a case involving their close relatives. Their refusal deprived the parties of the opportunity to clarify suspicious financial operations linked to the Pujol family.
Individuals and accounts
According to El Pais, Laura Vila was mentioned in the investigation as the owner of a bank account that received 300,000 euros in August 2007. These funds were transferred from a sub-account controlled by her husband. Investigators believe such transfers could have been part of a complex scheme to conceal income.
Ramon Gironès, in turn, was linked to the company Active Translation, which, according to investigators, did not conduct actual business activities. This firm was founded in the 1990s to provide translation services, but later shifted its focus to real estate transactions and company management. Case documents indicate that Gironès became the company’s administrator in 2004, while Pujol’s eldest son was its proxy.
Charges and Prosecution Demands
The anti-corruption prosecutor is seeking up to nine years in prison for the former head of Catalonia, Jordi Pujol. For his eldest son—29 years, for Josep—14 years, and for the other children—eight years each. In addition, the former wife of the eldest son, Mercè Gironès, faces 17 years behind bars. The investigation alleges that the family hid large sums abroad for many years, obtained as a result of illegal commissions and influence peddling.
There have already been unexpected developments during the proceedings. For example, earlier in the courtroom, an incident occurred when a witness, summoned by mistake, insisted on confirming her lack of involvement, surprising those present. This was detailed in the article about the unexpected twist in the Pujol case proceedings.
Context and consequences
According to El Pais, an investigation led by Judge José de la Mata uncovered a complex network of transfers and companies through which, prosecutors believe, the Pujol family moved funds abroad. Court documents emphasize that some firms linked to family members showed no real business activity and were used solely to move money.
Witnesses refusing to testify may complicate efforts to establish all the facts of the case. Nevertheless, prosecutors continue to demand tough penalties for all those involved. In Spain, such cases attract significant public attention as they raise issues of government transparency and the accountability of former officials.
In recent years, Spain has seen several high-profile court cases involving corruption charges against senior officials. Examples include the party financing scandal and investigations into the illicit enrichment of certain public figures. Each of these cases attracts close scrutiny, as they affect public trust in state institutions and shape opinion on the fight against corruption.
