Provisional Release for Claudio Rivas Amid Ongoing Hydrocarbon Fraud Investigation
Judge Santiago Pedraz of Spain's National Court has granted provisional release to Claudio Rivas, a business partner of Víctor de Aldama, within the scope of an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud in the hydrocarbon sector. The decision, reported by Europa Press, comes after the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office requested the release, citing that there is no formal accusation against Rivas, making it appropriate to lift the provisional imprisonment originally assigned on October 10.
Previously, Judge Pedraz had denied Rivas' release, emphasizing that he continued to deny any involvement in the alleged fraudulent activities. However, the Anticorruption Prosecutors Office later indicated that the risks justifying Rivas' imprisonment had significantly diminished since his detention. Their report suggested that Rivas' ability to interfere with the investigation had been minimized, thereby necessitating the modification of his custody status.
In accordance with the ruling, Rivas is required to establish a residential address, provide a contact number, and is prohibited from leaving Spain without prior judicial permission. He must also appear weekly before the court to account for his whereabouts while the investigation continues.
This decision comes on the heels of recent law enforcement activity associated with the case, including four arrests conducted by the Central Operational Unit (UCO) of the Civil Guard. Among those arrested was Carmen Pano, who allegedly delivered 90,000 euros at the headquarters of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) on Ferraz Street in Madrid. Investigators clarified that this arrest is solely part of the broader hydrocarbon investigation led by Judge Pedraz and does not associate with the alleged delivery of money at the political party's venue.
Additionally, Carmen Pano's daughter has also been taken into custody for reasons connected to tax offenses and money laundering, which led to two further arrests, including that of Luis Alberto Escolano, another associate of de Aldama in the suspected fraudulent scheme. All individuals arrested in this operation have since been released.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains crucial for public agencies to maintain transparency and hold accountable those involved in such serious allegations. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the involved parties as well as the broader integrity of the hydrocarbon sector in Spain.
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