Wind Energy Corruption Case: Prosecutor Alleges Blackmail and Prevarication
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A spanish prosecutor has presented a damning case alleging widespread corruption within the wind energy sector, involving blackmail, abuse of power, and illicit financial dealings. The accusations center around Rafael Delgado, a former deputy Minister of Economy, and allege a systematic effort to manipulate the approval process for wind farm projects in the Castilla y León region between 2000 and 2015.
Allegations of Blackmail and Influence Peddling
According to the prosecutor, Delgado monopolized the power to authorize wind parks through Instruction 2/2004, effectively removing authority from local industry service heads. This centralization of power allegedly enabled a scheme where companies were forced to accept predetermined local partners or sell their projects under duress. Businessmen from companies including Canon Power, Ider, HN generación, ibervento, Altos del rasero, and Augusta Wind reportedly suffered this coercion.
The prosecution claims Delgado demanded the inclusion of specific partners in wind farm ventures, a practice not supported by law. Businessmen Gregorio Álvarez Cobreros (Ibereólica) and Ricardo Fuster (Canon Power) have testified to experiencing this blackmail firsthand.
Evidence Presented by the Prosecution
the prosecutor presented lists of wind parks and their administrative progress as key evidence. These lists allegedly show preferential treatment given to companies that paid Industrias San cayetano, owned by Alberto and Francisco Esgueva. The lists also reveal a shift in control over project approvals, with Iberdrola allegedly creating lists that included promoters and parks slated for transfer, indicating collusion with Delgado.
The prosecution argues that Delgado acted with “free will” in deciding which parks were authorized,engaging in “continuous prevarication” – the abuse of public office for personal gain.
Key Figures and Alleged Beneficiaries
While Delgado is considered the central figure, several others are implicated. Alberto Esgueva of San Cayetano Wind is highlighted as a major beneficiary, allegedly receiving €47 million from Iberdrola after acquiring shares for a minimal initial investment of €24,000. The Collosa Group, owned by the Llorente brothers, is also accused of benefiting from the scheme.
The prosecution alleges that Delgado’s alleged front man,lawyer Jesús Rodríguez Recio,laundered monetary gifts through offshore companies in Monaco and Switzerland. Andrés Martín de Paz, a former sports director, is accused of receiving €4 million from Iberdrola in exchange for land for a wind farm.
Potential Penalties
The prosecutor is seeking a total of 116 years in prison and €648 million in fines for the eleven accused. Delgado faces the harshest sentence – 42 years in prison and a €239 million fine. Alberto Esgueva faces 12 years and a €68 million fine, while others face varying sentences and fines.
Ongoing legal Proceedings
The case is currently in the conclusion phase, with the prosecutor asserting the illegality of specific actions rather than questioning the overall structure of the Spanish energy market. The defense maintains that decisions regarding local partners originated with the then-Minister of Economy,Tomás Villanueva,a claim the prosecution dismisses as a “mere excuse.”