The final trial in the Gürtel case, already called one of the largest corruption scandals in modern Spain, has begun in Madrid. Twenty-five people are in the dock, and as many as twenty of them have decided not to prolong the proceedings—they admitted their guilt in writing even before the hearings started. This move is clearly linked to a desire to mitigate possible sentences.
Among those who agreed to cooperate with the authorities are key figures in the criminal network: Francisco Correa and his former deputy Pablo Crespo, as well as well-known tax consultants, entrepreneurs, and even partners of individuals linked to the country’s former prime minister. The remaining five defendants continue to insist on their innocence and deny the charges against them.
The trial focuses on a complex system of shell companies and front men, through which members of the scheme laundered large sums of money and hid income from the tax authorities. Investigators found that a significant portion of these funds came from deals with one of the country’s leading political parties. According to the court, just one of the main defendants received nearly €31 million for mediating in the allocation of suspicious contracts, then concealed the money through intricate financial schemes, including the use of offshore accounts.
This is already the twelfth hearing in the Gürtel case, and its outcome could prove decisive for Spain’s entire political system. Dozens of sentences have previously been handed down in this case, with the total prison terms for those convicted exceeding 750 years. Moreover, the courts have determined that the corruption network reached the very heart of one of the country’s largest parties, leading to major political consequences, including a change of government. The final verdict in the current trial is expected by the end of November and could mark the conclusion of a story that has shaken the entire nation.
