The keys to the corruption plot in which Cristóbal Montoro is charged: commissions in exchange for laws supporting gas companies
The law firm created by the then Finance Minister allegedly created a "network of influencers" to raise funds in exchange for legislating on the interests of at least five companies.
Judge Rubén Rus Vela investigates former Finance Minister Cristóbal Montoro for allegedly benefiting gas companies illegally and allowing them to "actively collaborate in the drafting" of several bills passed by the PP in exchange for payments. Montoro served as Minister Mariano Rajoy eta Jose Maria Aznar in the governments they presided over.
Specifically, the law firm Equipo Economico (EE), founded by him, allegedly created a "network of influences"to raise funds in exchange for legislating in favour of the interests of at least five companies: Air Liquide, Abello, Messer, Praxair and Metallic Carburos.
These companies, which apparently worked within the Association of Gas and Medical Manufacturers (AFGIM), wanted to reduce the Special Tax on Electricity .
The judge points out that "many of the participants held senior positions in the Spanish Government and the Central Administration and created a network of influences, the purpose of which was to make an economic profit", as well as that the EC law firm "in a short time and apparently managed to make legal reforms in response to AFGIM's requests".
The head of examining magistrate No. 2 in Tarragona attributes to Montoro and some 30 persons investigated the offencesof bribery, fraud against public administration, prevarication, trafficking in influence, prohibited negotiations, corruption in business and documentary falsehood.
The case has been under secret investigation for seven years and, at the time it became public, Montoro has discharged the party and declared that there is no evidence against him.
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