A major corruption case, known as the Mediator case, is set to move to trial, with serious allegations against 14 individuals, including prominent politicians and business people. The defendants include Juan Bernardo Fuentes Curbelo, known as Tito Berni, a former PSOEMP, General Francisco Espinosa, and intermediary Marco Antonio Navarro Tacoronte.
Judge María de los Ángeles Lorenzo has ordered the trial based on sufficient evidence of bribery, abuse of office, influence peddling, fraud, forgery, and belonging to a criminal organisation. The prosecution is seeking sentences as long as 13 years for some defendants.
Among those accused is Taishet Fuentes, the former Director General of Livestock for the Canary Islands and Fuentes Curbelo’s nephew. They are accused of facilitating corrupt business dealings aimed at securing public contracts and grants through illicit means.
Investigations revealed a network of influence operating from 2020 to 2021, with Fuentes Curbelo and his nephew at its hub, along with Espinosa. Businessmen allegedly sought to obtain favours from this network in return for bribes aimed at influencing public procurement and grant approvals.
The case features central evidence extracted from Navarro Tacoronte’s mobile phone, including WhatsApp messages, audio recordings, photos, and proof of financial transactions. Evidence also suggests he organised congressional visits for businessmen to bolster their chances of gaining Fuentes Curbelo’s assistance.
Following the fallout from these allegations, Fuentes Curbelo resigned from his position and left politics. Other defendants include various entrepreneurs and former officials, with sentences ranging from one to four years for the business people and disqualifications for the public officials involved.
This case will be heard at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Audiencia. Prior to this, three individuals were already convicted in a related trial regarding bribery in the solar panel business, resulting in penalties for Navarro Tacoronte, Espinosa, and Bautista.
