Former Vice President Alfredo Prada Sentenced to Seven Years for Malpractice and Embezzlement
In a significant ruling, the National Court has sentenced Alfredo Prada, the former Vice President and Madrid Justice Councilor, to seven years in prison. The sentence was handed down for ongoing malpractice and aggravated embezzlement associated with 24 contracts worth a total of 40 million euros related to the construction of the Justice Campus from 2005 to 2011.
The court's First Section of the Criminal Chamber also imposed penalties on four individuals who were part of the management team overseeing the project. Isabelino Baños, the technical general director; Alicio de las Heras, the financial director; Andrés Gómez Gordo, the security area director; and Félix José García de Castro, the legal advisor, were all sentenced to three years and six months in prison for similar charges.
While deliberating the cases, the Chamber took into account the mitigating factor of undue delays, which influenced the final penalties of the convicted. In a twist during the trial, the sixth accused, Mariano José Sanz, was acquitted. The court determined that his master's degree had been arranged as a form of compensation for his dismissal, indicating a lack of wrongdoing in his case.
Notably, all accused individuals were acquitted from the accusations of fraud against public administrations, claims initially pressed by the Public Prosecutors Office and the Community of Madrid.
The verdict highlights ongoing concerns regarding accountability in public contracts and the use of funds. The rulings emphasize the need for strict oversight of public spending, particularly in large projects, to prevent malpractice and ensure justice.
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