On Monday, the Guardia Civil's Central Operative Unit (UCO) executed several arrests under the investigation known as the 'Hydrocarbons Case', with the notable detention of businesswoman Carmen Pano. Pano, who has previously publicly claimed to have delivered €90,000 at the headquarters of Spain's Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), was nabbed along with her daughter, Leonor María González Pano, as well as some of the alleged associates of the implicated businessman, Víctor de Aldama, namely Luis Alberto Escolano and Carlos del Castillo. This operation saw multiple raids across businesses based in Madrid, Zaragoza, Sevilla, and Toledo, marking another significant development in the expansive investigation.
The saga began when Pano openly stated to the media about her role in delivering the substantial sum during October 2020. She claimed this action was orchestrated by Aldama, who is the focal point of the Hydrocarbons fraud investigation. The UCO's actions today coincide with Aldama's appearance at the Supreme Court, where he faces scrutiny for his alleged involvement with the so-called Koldo case.
Sources close to the investigation revealed the scale of the alleged fraud perpetrated via the structures tied to the hydrocarbon sector. The scheme reportedly involved complex corporate structures meant to obscure transactions and manipulate financial flows, with estimated losses to the public purse of around €182 million over two years.
Regional investigations led to the identification of various companies and operations across Spain and abroad, including substantial financial transfers to destinations such as Portugal, Colombia, and China. An alarming aspect of the case involves the revelations detailing how Aldama allegedly engaged with multiple individuals to effectively launder the proceeds of crime.
Examining the story closely, the Guardia Civil has indicated the organization dismantled today had developed significant corporate hierarchies to facilitate tax evasion and money laundering activities. According to their statements, these hierarchies were frequently altered to maintain deception and successfully implement fraudulent practices.
The arrest of Carmen Pano is particularly telling. She has been previously noted by investigators for her links with other fraud cases, including past charges related to money laundering and document forgery. Pano's confirmed connection to the company Have Got Time SL, which appeared to generate sizeable revenue from the buying and selling of fuel but simultaneously reported staggering losses, has raised eyebrows. This discrepancy suggested potential manipulations intended to disguise illicit financial activities.
Pano reportedly alleged she made the fateful delivery of cash to the PSOE headquarters, where upon arrival, she claimed to have been met by someone who simply asked, “Are you here on behalf of Aldama?” With no identification check, she proceeded to hand over bags containing the cash without knowledge of its final destination. This aspect of her narrative raises questions about transparency at such political venues.
Further complicity within the ranks has emerged as Pano’s daughter, Leonor, was also apprehended. Leonor, found to have been the sole administrator of Have Got Time SL, was instrumental due to her company's dealings and connections to high-profile social and political figures.
Reports suggest the UCO is broadening the scope of their investigation, tracking down more financial movements tied to Aldama and his associates. They noted the financial tracing of €73.9 million across different countries related to the complex web of transactions raising concerns about extensive public fund misappropriation through deliberate avoidance of VAT and tax regulations.
This most recent wave of arrests and investigations is just the latest chapter of what appears to be a lengthy saga involving multiple players both within business and politics, reflecting systemic issues of corruption and greed. The UCO, working alongside the National Court and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, operates under stringent supervision as they probe the arranged corporate fraud stemming from the Hydrocarbons case.
The multitude of arrests sends reverberations through the business and political communities, raising public interest and concern over the efficacy of existing measures to combat such deep-rooted corruption. Multiple inquiries are expected to reveal even more disturbing connections as they unearth layers of illicit activities tied to public institutions.
Carmen Pano's narrative certainly will not end with her detention. It is poised to unravel as legal proceedings advance and more evidence surfaces. Where the inquiry could lead will likely impact many, not just the individuals immediately involved.
