Judge in Lezo case closing in on Gallardón

The circle is closing in on the former president of the Community of Madrid and former Justice Minister Alberto Ruíz-Gallardón. The investigating judge in the Lezo corruption case has charged the entire board of directors of the Canal Isabel II public water company in Madrid during Ruíz-Gallardón’s second term as president of the community between 1999 and 2003. The judge has cited 24 people to declare on January 9 and 15 who are allegedly linked to the fraudulent purchase by the Canal Isabel II by the Colombian company Inassa in 2001.

Those cited include figures such as the present head of Spain’s rail company Juan Bravo and other company directors and public servants who were part of Gallardón’s inner circle in his time as Minister of Justice.

Not only is the sale of the canal under investigation but the anti-fraud office has also provided the judge with evidence of embezzlement, fraud, falsification of documents and transference of public funds to private entities and individuals.

The judge has also ordered the Community of Madrid to hand over all documentation related to the case and also to provide a “complete identification of all members of the government” in Madrid in 2001, who were privy to the signing of the agreement.