Rodrigo Rato, the star accused in a trial with 16 other defendants, is facing a final report from the Public Ministry which recommends 63 years in prison for tax crimes, money laundering, and corruption. Elena Lorente, the fiscal prosecutor, highlighted Rato’s controlling character and his efforts to hinder the investigation by making numerous appeals. The prosecutor also noted Rato’s attempts to obscure his actions and hide wealth abroad, which only partially surfaced during a tax amnesty in 2012.
The prosecutor’s report revealed that Rato was accused of manipulation and opacity in his financial affairs, declaring only partial assets and attempting to avoid paying the full amount owed to the Spanish Public Treasury. The Supreme Court ruling on the Grtel case was cited to support the argument that Rato’s tax regularization was insufficient. The trial has shed light on a complex web of financial deceit and manipulation, revealing corrupt practices of high-profile individuals in positions of power.
The trial has been ongoing with defenses still to follow before sentencing. Despite all evidence presented, the Public Ministry is maintaining its initial request of 63 years in prison for Rodrigo Rato.
