In a landmark decision, Judge Manuel García-Castellón has ordered the trial of José Manuel Villarejo and former Iberdrola Security director Antonio Asenjo for a series of illegal orders from the company to a retired commissioner. The judge has also found Iberdrola responsible civilly for any potential sentence for its former employee, meaning that the company could be held accountable if convicted. Additionally, Rafael Redondo, Villarejo’s partner in the Cenyt company, is also being tried.
The case involves bribery, disclosure of secrets, and falsification of commercial documents committed by Ignacio Sánchez Galán, President of Iberdrola, and the company itself. Although charges against them have been dropped, evidence was presented showing illegal activities involving Iberdrola and its executives between 2004 and 2011. Antonio Asenjo commissioned several investigations through Villarejo’s company to obtain information about individuals and entities that could benefit Iberdrola. Payments were made to Villarejo’s company and invoices were manipulated to cover up the involvement of an active police commissioner.
Judge García-Castellón found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial in this complex case involving illegal orders, bribery, and other criminal activities involving Iberdrola and its executives. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office and other accusers are requested to present their requests for conviction in order to proceed with the trial.