Acciona Takes Action Amid Investigations into Allegations of Corruption
Acciona, a major construction firm, is responding decisively in light of its involvement in the ongoing Ábalos Case. The company has announced that it will initiate procedures to terminate all existing contracts and partnership agreements with Servinabar 2000 SL, a company currently under scrutiny by the Supreme Court for suspected rigging of public contracts and illegal commission payments.
In a statement, Acciona cited Servinabar 2000's failure to uphold contractual obligations regarding regulatory compliance and transparency as the primary reason for this decision. This indicates a significant breach of diligence in their managerial responsibilities. Consequently, Acciona has also chosen to end the employment of Justo Vicente Pelegrini, who previously served as the Director of Construction for Spain. It is important to note that this decision was not influenced by the findings of an internal investigation, which remains in its early stages.
Acciona has committed to cooperating with the judicial system as the investigation unfolds, emphasizing the need to clarify the facts surrounding this situation. Moreover, the company reiterated its dedication to the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and regulatory compliance, principles that have consistently guided its operations and interactions with both public authorities and private clients. Acciona explicitly condemned any irregular practices related to contracting matters.
The implications of this case extend to Servinabar 2000, which was founded in 2015 by businessman Antxón Alonso Egurola. The company has been implicated in a wider investigation related to the Koldo Ábalos Cerdán case, centered on alleged connections to a network of illicit public works awards. Authorities have even conducted raids at its headquarters in Pamplona, searching for pertinent documentary evidence.
Servinabar 2000 has drawn considerable media attention for securing large infrastructure contracts, including the controversial duplication of the Velate tunnels in Navarra, valued at tens of millions of euros. This project has raised eyebrows not only due to its significant cost but also for its suspected irregularities and connections to political figures such as the former PSOE Secretary of Organization, Santos Cerdán.
As investigations continue and Acciona distances itself from Servinabar 2000, the construction giant is clearly attempting to mitigate any reputational damage while reaffirming its commitment to ethical practices in a challenging environment. The actions taken by Acciona illustrate a proactive approach in addressing potential misconduct, signaling to stakeholders and the public that the company intends to operate with integrity amidst troubling allegations.
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