The case involving Querella Sánchez, Begoña Gómez, and Testigo Clave Lauffer has captured significant attention due to its complex legal implications and the prominent figures involved. At the heart of this legal battle is a querella, a formal legal complaint, which Sánchez has filed. Begoña Gómez, a key figure in this case, and Lauffer, the crucial witness, play pivotal roles in the unfolding events. The dynamics of this case are shaping up to be critical, with each participant’s testimony and actions potentially influencing the outcome significantly. The involvement of these critical players adds layers of intrigue and legal significance to the proceedings, making it a case closely watched by both the public and legal experts.
Neither complaints against the judge nor appeals: the ‘Begoña Gómez case’ depends on Globalia’s key witness
The judge is set to resume his agenda of summons on August 26 with Leticia Lauffer, the former director of Wakalua, who has emerged as a critical witness after confirming meetings between Begoña Gómez and Javier Hidalgo. Additionally, the judge has requested Begoña Gómez’s contract with the Africa Center and the CVs of the directors of the chairs at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). In a related move, Begoña Gómez has also filed a complaint against Judge Peinado, accusing him of misconduct and the disclosure of secrets.
The legal proceedings against Begoña Gómez in Madrid are entering a critical phase following a week marked by significant developments and complaints filed with the high courts. The case is poised for a period of reduced activity, with preparations underway for the testimony of Leticia Lauffer, a pivotal witness whose statements are expected to have a considerable impact on the case. Lauffer’s appearance is scheduled for August 26.
Following the testimonies from the three defendants and a growing list of witnesses, the case will experience a slowdown throughout August. However, it will continue to be a focal point for the Provincial Court of Madrid. The judges are set to deliberate on September 30 regarding the appeals filed by both the Public Prosecutor’s Office and Begoña Gómez. Prior to this, the case will see the testimony of Leticia Lauffer, whose input is anticipated to be crucial.
The judge from the 41st Court of Instruction, who is handling two complaints—one filed by Pedro Sánchez and another by Begoña Gómez—has agreed to hear Lauffer’s testimony by the end of August. The prosecution, represented by Hazte Oír, requested Lauffer’s appearance as part of an extended complaint against Gómez, with particular emphasis on her alleged connections with Globalia.
The link between Begoña Gómez and Javier Hidalgo
This witness holds significant importance due to her direct knowledge of confidential meetings between Begoña Gómez and Javier Hidalgo, the former CEO of Globalia, in the months preceding the government’s bailout of Air Europa, a subsidiary of the Globalia holding company.
Leticia Lauffer, who previously testified before the Senate’s commission of inquiry into the Koldo case in early June, has confirmed her acquaintance with Gómez and her attendance at meetings with Hidalgo. Lauffer, who served as the director of Wakalua—an innovation hub established by Globalia in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization—reported that she did not observe any irregularities during these meetings. However, she also mentioned her familiarity with Víctor de Aldama, the agent involved in the Koldo case, and Juan Carlos Barrabés, a business partner of Gómez who received public contracts following recommendations from Gómez.
The judge is investigating potential connections between Globalia and Begoña Gómez, particularly after discovering that Wakalua entered into a €40,000 sponsorship agreement with the África Center. This center, directed by Gómez from 2018 to 2022, was established by the Instituto de Empresa. The judge has recently acquired the employment contract related to this sponsorship.
In her testimony, Lauffer described her relationship with Gómez as cordial but dismissed any notion that Globalia sought to leverage Gómez’s status as the wife of the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez. She asserted that the meetings with Hidalgo did not pertain to the bailout of Air Europa.
A key testimony
Judge Peinado is intensifying his investigation to determine whether Begoña Gómez exerted influence over her husband’s government to secure a €400 million bailout for Air Europa following the pandemic. To aid in this inquiry, he has requested that SEPI provide the complete files related to the rescue operation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive due diligence.
Currently, Leticia Lauffer is scheduled to testify before Judge Peinado as the next key witness. This development occurs despite Begoña Gómez’s defense team challenging the procedure, arguing that the case has been undermined since the European Prosecutor’s Office assumed jurisdiction over two public contracts awarded to Juan Carlos Barrabés during the pandemic.
In response, efforts are underway to expedite the review of the appeals filed by both Gómez and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, with the Madrid Provincial Court expected to deliberate before September 30. Meanwhile, Judge Peinado continues his investigation, focusing not only on new contracts involving Barrabés but also exploring potential irregularities surrounding the establishment of the Begoña Gómez chair at the Complutense University of Madrid.
These matters are linked to Gómez’s connections with Javier Hidalgo, an issue previously highlighted in the Koldo case. Despite this, neither the investigating judge nor the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office has called Gómez to testify, as she is not a formal party to that case.
The Koldo case
Javier Hidalgo is scheduled to testify as a witness before the National Court on September 12. He will address the connections between Air Europa and a scheme that generated over €17 million in profits from mask contracts. Víctor de Aldama, who also participated in meetings between Begoña Gómez and Hidalgo, faces charges in this case.
Leticia Lauffer, having confirmed her acquaintance with both Hidalgo and Gómez and her knowledge of their meetings, may provide valuable insights. Although Lauffer denies any preferential treatment, the timing of the sessions—held in June and July, with the Air Europa bailout occurring in November—raises suspicions.
As the focus shifts to Lauffer’s testimony, Begoña Gómez is challenging the investigation. She has filed a complaint against Judge Peinado, accusing him of two crimes, including the unauthorized disclosure of secrets. This move introduces additional pressure on the judge and will be addressed by the High Court of Justice of Madrid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nature of the querella filed in this case?
The guerilla involves formal legal complaints and allegations against Begoña Gómez, as well as inquiries into her influence on governmental decisions and potential conflicts of interest. The case examines her interactions with Javier Hidalgo and the implications of these interactions for the bailout of Air Europa.
Who is Begoña Gómez, and what role does she play in this case?
Begoña Gómez is the wife of Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Spanish Government. She is under scrutiny for her alleged influence on government decisions related to the bailout of Air Europa and her connections with Javier Hidalgo and Globalia.
Who is Leticia Lauffer, and why is her testimony important?
Leticia Lauffer is a former director of Wakalua, a Globalia subsidiary. Her testimony is crucial as she has first-hand knowledge of the meetings between Begoña Gómez and Javier Hidalgo. Her insights could reveal whether there were any undue influences or irregularities related to the bailout.
What allegations are being investigated in this case?
The investigation centers on whether Begoña Gómez influenced the government to secure a substantial bailout for Air Europa. It also involves allegations concerning potential conflicts of interest and irregularities in the sponsorships and contracts linked to Gómez.
What are the implications of Begoña Gómez’s complaint against Judge Peinado?
Begoña Gómez has filed a complaint against Judge Peinado, accusing him of misconduct and revealing confidential information. This action introduces additional scrutiny and pressure on the judge and will be resolved by the High Court of Justice of Madrid.
How does the case relate to the Koldo case and other investigations?
The case has connections to the Koldo case, particularly regarding the involvement of Víctor de Aldama and Juan Carlos Barrabés. The Koldo case has highlighted issues related to public contracts and alleged corruption, which are relevant to the current proceedings.
What are the current focuses of the investigation?
The investigation is currently focused on Leticia Lauffer’s testimony, the links between Begoña Gómez and Globalia, and the examination of new contracts involving Juan Carlos Barrabés. Additionally, inquiries are being made into the creation of the Begoña Gómez chair at the Complutense University of Madrid.
Conclusion
The guerrilla involving Begoña Gómez, Javier Hidalgo, and Leticia Lauffer represents a complex legal challenge with significant implications. Central to the case is the investigation into whether Begoña Gómez used her influence to affect government decisions, notably the substantial bailout of Air Europa, which is alleged to be linked to her interactions with Hidalgo and Globalia.
Leticia Lauffer’s role as a critical witness is pivotal, given her direct knowledge of the meetings between Gómez and Hidalgo. Her testimony is expected to clarify the nature of these interactions and determine if any undue influence or irregularities were involved. Despite her denial of preferential treatment, the timing and context of the meetings raise essential questions that the investigation seeks to answer.
