Spanish National Court Orders Trial for BBVA and Former Chairman in Villarejo Case

Spain's National Court has initiated legal proceedings against banking giant BBVA, its former chairman Francisco González, and 14 other individuals in connection with the so-called 'Villarejo case'. Judge Antonio Piña has ruled that the bank must face trial on one count of bribery and 52 counts of unlawful discovery and disclosure of secrets. The court has also set a bond of €1.17 million to cover potential civil liabilities, giving defendants ten days to submit defence briefs.

Francisco González, who led BBVA for many years, faces multiple charges including bribery, disclosure of secrets, membership of a criminal organisation, mismanagement, and falsification of documents. Alongside him, several former BBVA executives and former police commanders linked to Villarejo will also be tried.

The case revolves around contracts awarded to Cenyt, a company linked to Villarejo, between 2004 and 2016. Prosecutors allege that the hiring was authorised by the bank's top management and conducted outside normal internal procedures. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office is seeking heavy prison terms: 173 years for González, 216 years for Villarejo, and 243 years for the bank's former head of security, Julio Corrochano.

Despite the allegations, BBVA maintains that the events under investigation do not make the bank criminally liable for any offence.