Pedraz opens section into possible irregularities in SEPI contracts
The National Court has lifted the secrecy of proceedings in the investigation of alleged rigging in public contracts of the State Industrial Holdings Society, a branch of the case into the Socialist 'sewers'.
Pedraz opens section into possible irregularities in SEPI contracts
The judicial investigation by Santiago Pedraz has decided to make public the separate section that examines alleged manipulation in public tenders of the State Industrial Holdings Society. This decision forms part of the broader proceeding that is investigating the activities of the group known as the Socialist party's 'sewers'.
In his order, the magistrate justifies the measure by noting that the principal proceedings that motivated the secrecy have already been carried out, and therefore it is appropriate to guarantee the parties the exercise of their right to defence.
The focus of the investigation falls on manoeuvres allegedly designed to divert public contracts in exchange for illegal payments. These funds would have passed through the business entity Mediaciones Martínez S.L. The investigated nucleus goes by the codename 'Hirurok' (a Basque expression meaning 'the three of us'), comprising Vicente Fernández, who led the SEPI; Leire Díez, linked to the legal advisory area of the PSOE; and Antxon Alonso Egurrola, owner of Servinabar.
The information now accessible also includes data on the rescue of Tubos Reunidos. Investigators contend that the trio would have managed the approval, in the summer of 2021, of an injection of 112.8 million euros for this metallurgical company. In return, they would have received nearly 115,000 euros.
This operation took place in a context of turbulence: Fernández had stepped down from the presidency of the SEPI after being charged in the Aznalcóllar matter. During the subsequent power vacuum, the network unsuccessfully attempted to restore him to the position and install Díez as head of the cabinet of the new chairman.
The UCO links Servinabar to the collection of improper commissions in public works, a matter that the High Court is examining in parallel.
Source: ABC
Source: ABC