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The former president of the Provincial Council of Almería, Javier Aureliano García, has invoked his right to remain silent before the judge investigating the so-called 'Mascarillas' case, which examines alleged kickbacks in the purchase of medical supplies and other public contracts Source: abc.es. His two brothers, also under investigation, followed the same strategy, prolonging their appearances for only a few minutes Source: infobae.
The investigation centers on a suspected bribe of nearly one million euros in the procurement of masks from the company Azor Corporate Source: elconfidencial. The UCO (Civil Guard) has analyzed WhatsApp messages among García, former vice-president Óscar Liria, and another official, where dental-related expressions like "I have cavities" are believed to be coded language for illegal commissions Source: abc.es, elconfidencial.
García's lawyer, Joaquín Monterreal, argued that his client already testified in November 2025 and that no new information warrants further statements until the UCO's technical reports arrive Source: infobae. In contrast, the PSOE’s legal representative, Javier Salvador, lamented the widespread silence, asserting that those who did speak have helped map out the alleged criminal network Source: abc.es. Salvador described the structure as "small taifas" where local chiefs had absolute control over contracting Source: infobae.
“El expresidente de la Diputación Provincial de Almería, Javier Aureliano García, se ha acogido este viernes a su derecho a no declarar ante el juez que instruye el denominado caso Mascarillas de Almería”
“El caso tiene su origen en el cobro de una supuesta mordida de casi un millón de euros en la compra de mascarillas por parte de la Diputación de Almería a la empresa Azor Corporate”
“En declaraciones a los medios, Monterreal ha restado trascendencia al silencio de su cliente y ha precisado que ya prestó declaración hace meses.”
The case has shaken the PP in Almería, a traditional stronghold. Regional leader Juanma Moreno swiftly removed García from his party posts to limit political damage, particularly with Vox gaining ground Source: elconfidencial. García faces charges including bribery, money laundering, fraud, and embezzlement Source: elconfidencial.
“Según Salvador, las pesquisas evidencian 'una especie de pequeñas taifas en las que un jefecillo local, siendo alcalde o no, tenía un control absoluto sobre la contratación de la Diputación'.”
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