The National Court has upheld the prosecution of BBVA and its former president Francisco González for hiring companies associated with former commissioner José Manuel Villarejo to carry out illegal tasks between 2004 and 2016, dismissing the appeals filed. The Criminal Chamber confirms the ruling of Judge Manuel García Castellón, who suggested bringing to trial BBVA, its former president Francisco González, and twelve other individuals, including executives of the entity and senior police officials, for bribery and for the discovery and disclosure of secrets. According to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, the court is also conducting proceedings against the bank and supports the view of the investigating judge, who considered the bank’s claim of ignorance regarding these events to be implausible.
