Audiencia Nacional Opens Trial Against BBVA and Francisco González Over Villarejo Case

The Audiencia Nacional has opened oral proceedings against BBVA, its former president Francisco González, and 14 other individuals for alleged illegal contracts to ex-commissioner José Manuel Villarejo between 2004 and 2016 Source: ABC, El Mundo.

Charges Against BBVA

The bank is accused of bribery and 52 counts of discovery and revelation of secrets Source: El Mundo.

Charges Against González

González faces active and passive bribery, 42 counts of discovery and revelation of secrets, membership in a criminal organization, unfair administration, and false documentation Source: ABC. The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office seeks 173 years in prison for him Source: ABC.

Other Accused

Among the 14 others are former BBVA executives and police officers, including ex-security chief Julio Corrochano (who faces a 243-year request) and former CEO Ángel Cano Source: Infobae, El Confidencial. The prosecution requests 216 years for Villarejo and 243 for Corrochano Source: ABC.

Bond and Next Steps

Judge Antonio Piña set a bond of €1.173 million to cover potential civil liabilities, warning of asset seizure if not paid within three days Source: El Mundo, ABC. Defense lawyers have ten days to submit written arguments and propose evidence Source: ABC.

BBVA has stated it "always maintains that no criminal responsibility arises from the investigated facts" Source: El Confidencial.