Overview
- The Audiencia Nacional trial opened on January 12, with Javier López Madrid admitting he contacted José Manuel Villarejo in 2013 but denying any hire or payment, citing a flood of phone calls he attributes to Elisa Pinto.
- The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor is not bringing charges in this proceeding due to a lack of evidence of payment, while Pinto’s legal team seeks six years for López Madrid and Villarejo and four for Rafael Redondo.
- An Internal Affairs inspector testified they found audios, agenda notes and extensive call logs indicating contact, but no budgets, client reports, engagement letters or other Cenyt paperwork typical of paid assignments.
- Investigators highlighted a September 4, 2013 agenda entry reading “entrega 10 a cuenta,” yet said usual retainers in Villarejo’s jobs were higher and no related “Informe Pool” document was located.
- A separate Madrid trial scheduled for February will address alleged injuries, coercion and threats against Pinto, where prosecutors are seeking 13 years and two months in prison for López Madrid.