The investigation into the licensing of Villafuel is gaining growing resonance in Spain. At the center of attention are potential corruption schemes that could affect not only business, but also the country’s political circles. For Spaniards, this story is significant due to the scale of the alleged fraud and the possible impact on government decisions.
Juan Ignacio Díaz Bidart, who previously headed the office of the Minister of Industry, has found himself at the heart of a high-profile investigation. During questioning, he stated that he does not recall whether he informed then-minister Reyes Maroto about a brief meeting with Koldo García, the former adviser to the Ministry of Transport. This meeting, which took place in December 2020, focused on granting a license for hydrocarbon operations to Villafuel. Also present with Díaz Bidart were Carmen Pano and Claudio Rivas, whose names now feature in the case files on fraud and bribery.
Money and influence
Statements by Carmen Pano drew special attention from investigators; she claims to have personally delivered 90,000 euros in cash to the central office of one of the country’s leading political parties. According to her, the money was intended to assist Villafuel in obtaining a license. Claudio Rivas, Villafuel’s de facto manager, also fell under close scrutiny from law enforcement.
The presiding judge is investigating a potential tax evasion scheme exceeding 200 million euros. Case documents indicate that large sums intended for bribing politicians may have passed through various companies linked to Villafuel. Specifically, investigators allege that millions in bribes could have been paid to senior officials to promote Villafuel’s interests.
The meeting is in question
Díaz Bidart himself maintains that the meeting with representatives of Villafuel and Koldo García lasted no more than five minutes. He claims he does not remember which ministry staff accompanied him at the meeting, and cannot say for certain whether he informed the minister about its content. According to him, the Ministry of Industry did not have the authority to grant such licenses, which explains the brief nature of the discussion.
During questioning, Díaz Bidart also denied having informal contact with Koldo García, either before or after the meeting in question. He noted that he had preserved some messenger correspondence, but did not provide details about the contents of these messages.
The investigation is ongoing
The case includes a report from the Central Operations Unit of the Civil Guard highlighting targeted payments from a group linked to Claudio Rivas. In one of the messages uncovered by investigators, Carmen Pano’s daughter mentions a transfer of more than one million euros, though the recipient is not specified.
Investigators are trying to determine how and through which channels payments were made, and which politicians might have been involved in the scheme. They are focusing not only on financial flows but also on possible links between business representatives and officials responsible for licensing decisions.
Context and Parallels
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced high-profile corruption scandals involving licenses and government contracts. Such cases have often led to the resignation of senior officials and a reassessment of oversight procedures. One recalls how, in 2024, an investigation into construction tenders uncovered a network of shell companies and fake payments, sparking a wave of public discontent. Similar schemes were found in the energy sector, where investigations targeted not only business figures but also local government representatives. These events highlight the urgent need for transparency and accountability in public decision-making.
