Overview

• Investigating judge Leopoldo Puente informed the European Public Prosecutor’s Office that no works under scrutiny have, to date, committed EU funds, calling any such link an accidental element.
• Puente told the EPPO he sees no proven harm to European finances or other cross-border features, reinforcing the Supreme Court’s lead over a probe rooted in Spanish jurisdiction.
• The judge outlined two suspected criminal organizations involving officials and businesspeople that allegedly secured public works through bribery and influence peddling.
• After receiving full contract files, the court on September 23 requested an Intervención General del Estado report on the ADIF and Directorate-General of Roads contracts, which remains pending.
• José Luis Ábalos notified the court he has parted ways with his lawyer over irreconcilable differences ahead of this week’s scheduled appearances, leaving his representation and timing of testimony uncertain.