Overview
- Spain's Audiencia Nacional opens a six‑session hearing through January 20 focused on an alleged bribery scheme pursued solely by Pinto as a private accuser.
- Anticorruption prosecutors sought to archive the count, arguing evidence shows intent but no proven payoff despite an agenda note reading "entrega 10 a cuenta" and a related recording.
- The private indictment alleges López Madrid enlisted José Manuel Villarejo in September 2013 through banker Donato Sánchez to resolve a personal dispute involving Pinto.
- According to the accusation, Villarejo conducted phone surveillance and later harassment, and López Madrid visited Pinto's office with lawyer Rafael Redondo to press her to drop complaints.
- A separate trial in February at Madrid's Penal Court No. 10 will address alleged injuries, threats and coercion, with prosecutors seeking 13 years and two months for López Madrid, while senior police figures are expected to testify in the current proceeding.