The decision by the Tarragona court to extend the investigation into the Montoro case came as an unexpected turn for many Spaniards following the major corruption scandals. The case centers on possible violations at the highest levels, potentially implicating not only former officials but also major companies operating in the gas market. Questions of transparency and accountability in government institutions are once again in the spotlight, and the consequences of this case may affect not only those involved but the entire system of oversight over public officials.
Judge Rubén Rus, who leads the investigation, ordered the extension of the inquiry, responding to the complexity and scope of the gathered evidence. For more than seven years, the case has remained relevant, and fresh requests to companies and key figures continue to stir public interest. The focus of the investigation is former finance minister Cristóbal Montoro and eight senior officials from his department, accused of a range of serious offenses, including bribery, fraud, abuse of office, influence peddling, and business corruption.
Key figures and charges
Investigators suspect that Equipo Económico, the consulting firm founded by Montoro, received nearly 780,000 euros from a number of major gas companies. Among them are Air Liquide, Abello, Messer, Praxair, Carburos Metálicos, and AFGIM, the association that unites them. According to the investigation, these funds may have been payments for lobbying legislative changes favorable to the industry. The attention to detail and the scale of the alleged violations have made this case one of the most talked about in Spain in recent years.
The judge has requested financial and registration documents from 13 companies, as well as all correspondence between them and Equipo Económico. Particular interest is given to documents confirming the provision of services, invoices, and proof of payment. Additionally, the court demands all materials related to contacts between Equipo Económico staff, tax authority officials, and clients from the gas sector.
Progress of the investigation
The investigation began back in August 2018 and was conducted in complete secrecy for a long time. Only in July last year did the information become available to the parties, sparking a wave of new motions and statements. To date, none of the suspects have been summoned for questioning, and the case continues to accumulate new details. The judge notes that due to the large volume of documents and statements submitted, it is impossible to set interrogation dates or consider all the parties’ motions.
A key point is that some of the evidence was obtained as part of a separate investigation, raising debates about the admissibility of these materials. The case is now awaiting a decision from the Tarragona provincial court regarding several appeals that challenge both the existence of a crime and the legality of the collected evidence. As a result, the proceedings are delayed, and public interest continues to grow.
Reaction and consequences
After the suspect’s status became public, Montoro left the ranks of the Partido Popular, which launched an internal investigation into the former minister. This incident sparked a major outcry in political circles and among experts debating how such cases affect the image of state institutions.
Judge Rus granted anti-corruption prosecutor Carmen García Cerdá’s request for additional data on the companies and their clients. Specifically, this concerns documents confirming the provision of services, as well as details of all financial transactions between Equipo Económico and the gas companies. Furthermore, the court has ordered all correspondence between employees of the consulting firm, tax authorities, and client representatives to be submitted.
Documents and new requests
Among the companies for which data has been requested are Air Liquide, Carburos Metálicos, Abelló Linde SA, Praxair España, Praxair Euroholding, Messer Ibérica de Gases, and the Association of Industrial and Medical Gas Manufacturers (Asociación de Fabricantes de Gases Industriales y Medicinales). The court is demanding not only financial statements, but also all documents confirming the provision of services, as well as correspondence between all parties involved.
As a result, the Montoro case investigation is becoming increasingly complex and multilayered. New requests and documents may shed light on the details of the alleged corruption schemes and impact the further development of the case. Attention to this process remains high, and each new court decision sparks intense discussions in both professional and public circles.
