Rodrigo Rato’s trial for the illicit origin of his fortune has concluded after 56 sessions, leaving the Madrid Court to deliver its ruling. The former managing director of the IMF and vice president in the Government of José María Aznar faces 63 years in prison for tax crimes, money laundering, and corruption.
The defense has raised concerns about the legality of some of the searches conducted during the investigation, and expert reports will play an important role in the final ruling. The court will also have to determine if others were involved in hiding Rato’s assets and awarding contracts in exchange for commissions.
One of the key questions surrounding the case is whether Rato will return to jail after leaving prison in 2020. Another issue is whether evidence presented during trial is valid or not. As uncertainty remains around these issues, Rodrigo Rato’s fate hangs in balance as he awaits a verdict from the Madrid Court.