Investigative Journalism: Judge Sends Three to Trial for Iberdrola Bribery Scandal

Judge Manuel García-Castellón of the National Court has decided to send José Manuel Villarejo and former Iberdrola Security director Antonio Asenjo to trial for a series of illegal orders from the company to the retired commissioner. The judge also holds the company responsible civilly, meaning that any potential sentence for its former employee could result in the company being held accountable.

The case involves the President of Iberdrola, Ignacio Sánchez Galán, and the company itself, although the accusations against them have been dropped. The judge has found evidence of bribery, disclosure of secrets, and falsification of commercial documents. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and other accusers are requested to present their requests for conviction in order to proceed to trial.

The investigation revealed that between 2004 and 2011, Antonio Asenjo commissioned several investigations from Villarejo in order to obtain information about individuals and entities that could benefit Iberdrola. The judge detailed multiple projects undertaken by Villarejo’s company, including an investigation into the president of Endesa, Manuel Pizarro, a competitor of Iberdrola. Payments were made to Villarejo’s company and invoices were manipulated to cover up the involvement of an active police commissioner.

Overall, the judge found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial in this complex case involving illegal orders, bribery, and other criminal activities involving Iberdrola, Villarejo, and others.