Cristóbal Montoro, the former Finance Minister of Spain, has been formally imputed by a Tarragona court for allegedly providing illegal advantages to gas companies while in office. This case centers on Montoro’s law firm, Equipo Económico, established before he took on his ministerial role, and which reportedly benefited from legislative reforms during his tenure.

The court’s investigation, which has been ongoing for seven years, scrutinises the involvement of twenty-eight individuals and six legal entities in various charges including corruption, bribery, and fraud. Judge Rubén Rus has lifted the secrecy surrounding the case, highlighting Montoro’s significant influence over key legislative processes while he served under Prime Ministers José María Aznar and Mariano Rajoy.

The law firm, which has undergone several name changes, is accused of creating a network that manipulated legislative reforms to favour its clients, particularly gas companies associated with the Association of Manufacturers of Industrial and Medical Gases (AFGIM), such as Air Liquide and Messer. The AFGIM had faced difficulties in obtaining necessary legislative changes until engaging Equipo Económico, resulting in significant financial implications for the public sector.

With Montoro at the helm of key government departments, the relationships and influence of Equipo Económico led to lucrative outcomes for certain industries. The investigation now extends beyond Montoro, implicating other high-ranking officials appointed during his terms, as they face similar scrutiny for their roles in the alleged corruption.