Summons in Investigation of Prime Minister's Wife: Key Official Set to Testify
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, overseeing the investigation into Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spain's Prime Minister, has summoned Alfredo González Gómez, a high-ranking official, to provide testimony. This comes amid a probe into alleged influence peddling and corruption, particularly concerning González's role in proposing the appointment of Cristina Álvarez as an advisor to Gómez, who is also under investigation.
According to a ruling obtained by EFE, González has been called as a witness to appear in court on February 26. In his capacity as the Deputy Secretary General of the Presidency at the time of Álvarez's appointment in July 2018, González's insights are considered pivotal to the case. His previous roles include Deputy Director General of General Affairs and Coordination at the Ministry of Finance and Public Function and head of the Technical Cabinet of the Ministry of Housing.
On the same day, Judge Peinado is scheduled to interrogate several witnesses, including executives from major companies such as Google Spain, Telefónica, and Indra, in addition to two officials from the Complutense University. Notably, the investigations center around potential allegations of influence trafficking and business corruption associated with Gómez.
Recently, the judge decided to indict the advisor from Moncloa, who assists the Prime Minister's wife and had previously testified as a witness in December. Additionally, access to phone records pertaining to Gómez since her appointment has been authorized, examining contacts linked to various businesses and organizations, including Juan Carlos Barrabés of Complutense University, the UNWTO, and several corporate sponsors tied to her academic pursuits.
These developments highlight the complexities and high stakes involved in this ongoing investigation, drawing significant attention as prominent figures from both the political and corporate spheres are being scrutinized.
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