Spain’s Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office will open an investigation into José Antonio Marco Sanjuán, the former President of the Central Economic Administrative Tribunal, following serious allegations made by the Manos Limpias trade union. The union’s complaint alleges that Sanjuán accepted a bribe of one hundred thousand euros from a businessman in return for waiving tax debts.

Marco Sanjuán resigned from his position on the same day the accusations emerged. Sources in the prosecutor’s office confirm that the investigation will focus on potential crimes including bribery, misuse of public funds, and influence peddling. The allegations stem from a report in the newspaper ‘El Debate’.

According to the complaint, the bribe was purportedly paid in installments and involved communications through messaging apps between the businessman and Sanjuán, revealing an apparent concern for exposure and possible surveillance.

Manos Limpias argues that the case underlines significant issues regarding public trust in government institutions. They highlight that Sanjuán’s previous conduct while leading the tribunal in Castilla and León and suggest that he used his company as a means to facilitate these alleged corrupt practices. The implications of these allegations could severely tarnish the reputation of the Spanish tax administration system.