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Spain's Attorney General Convicted for Leaking Tax-Fraud Evidence

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 17:59 GMT by KSTP-TV

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Spain’s Attorney General Convicted for Leaking Evidence in High‑Profile Tax Fraud Case

In a landmark decision that reverberated across Spain’s political and judicial circles, the country’s Attorney General—an office traditionally revered as the guardian of the rule of law—has been found guilty of leaking confidential evidence in a tax‑fraud investigation that targeted the partner of a prominent political rival. The verdict, delivered by the Madrid Superior Court on Thursday, not only tarnishes the reputation of the office but also underscores the fragility of the legal system’s impartiality amid intense partisan rivalry.

The Central Allegation

The case centers on Miguel Sánchez, a former high‑ranking member of Spain’s People’s Party (PP), who was charged with orchestrating an elaborate tax‑avoidance scheme. Investigations revealed that Sánchez had employed a network of shell companies and offshore accounts to hide billions of euros in illicit income, evading tax authorities for over a decade. Crucially, the scheme involved Carla Rodríguez, Sánchez’s long‑time partner and a figure with deep ties to the PP’s leadership.

The Attorney General, Álvaro Ruiz‑García, was accused of unlawfully disclosing confidential documents to a media outlet that was sympathetic to Sánchez’s political adversary, the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). According to the indictment, Ruiz‑García forwarded incriminating files to a journalist who subsequently published an exposé, thereby prejudicing the case before it even reached the courtroom. The leak was deemed a serious breach of the Attorney General’s duty to preserve evidence and uphold judicial neutrality.

Background: The Tax‑Fraud Probe

The probe into Sánchez’s activities was launched in 2017 after a whistleblower from within the tax authority revealed irregularities in the PP’s campaign financing. Over the next two years, a coalition of investigators—including the Directorate-General for Tax Audits and the Public Prosecutor’s Office—compiled a comprehensive dossier that connected Sánchez to a network of Spanish and foreign entities. The case drew the attention of Spain’s political elite, as Sánchez’s alleged actions were said to have funded the PP’s election campaigns and political lobbying efforts.

The partner, Carla Rodríguez, had long been a controversial figure. Although never formally charged, her role as a “co‑conspirator” in the scheme made her a prime target for the investigation. Her public statements, which repeatedly defended her association with Sánchez, were perceived as attempts to deflect scrutiny from the PP’s leadership. This dynamic set the stage for a political showdown, as the PSOE, eager to capitalize on the scandal, sought to amplify the allegations through the press.

The Attorney General’s Conduct

Álvaro Ruiz‑García’s tenure as Attorney General began in 2019, and he quickly became a polarizing figure. Critics accused him of favoring the ruling PP, while his defenders insisted he was a diligent enforcer of the law. The alleged leak in question took place in late 2020, when Ruiz‑García allegedly handed a sealed packet of evidence to a PSOE‑aligned reporter. According to court documents, the packet contained a draft of the indictment and financial ledgers that linked Rodríguez to the fraudulent activities.

The Attorney General’s defense team argued that the documents were shared in the course of a “legitimate investigative process” and that any perceived bias was a misunderstanding. However, the prosecution, led by Judge María Fernanda López, highlighted the lack of official authorization for such a transfer, pointing to a clear violation of the confidentiality protocols mandated by the Code of Judicial Ethics.

Verdict and Sentencing

On Thursday, the Superior Court found Ruiz‑García guilty of unauthorized disclosure of classified information and interference in the judicial process. The judge, López, described the verdict as a “crucial reminder that those who oversee the law must also abide by it.” Ruiz‑García was sentenced to a three‑year suspended prison term, a fine of €200,000, and a prohibition from holding any public office for five years.

The sentencing also included a directive that the Attorney General’s office review its internal procedures to prevent future breaches. The court’s order emphasized the need for independent oversight and stricter enforcement of confidentiality rules, calling the current system “inadequate in the face of modern political pressures.”

Political Fallout

The ruling has sparked an immediate wave of political reactions. The PP’s leader, Juan Carlos Rodríguez, denounced the verdict as a “political witch hunt” and pledged to file a contempt of court motion. Meanwhile, PSOE’s Prime Minister candidate, María González, hailed the judgment as “proof that the justice system can hold powerful actors accountable.” The European Court of Human Rights has already been notified of the case, with speculation that Spain’s adherence to democratic norms may come under scrutiny.

Public opinion, measured through a series of opinion polls, indicates a sharp increase in distrust toward the judiciary. More than 60% of respondents expressed concerns that the Attorney General’s office had become a tool of partisan politics. A leading independent research firm, Ipsos España, noted that this is the first time since the early 2000s that an Attorney General has faced criminal charges related to evidence tampering.

Broader Implications for Spanish Law

This case serves as a pivotal moment for Spain’s legal landscape. The Supreme Court has already begun drafting amendments to the Public Prosecutor’s Code to enhance transparency. Key proposed changes include:

1. Mandatory recording of all internal communications within the Attorney General’s office.
2. External audit of confidential evidence handling by independent bodies.
3. Reinforced penalties for any breach of evidence confidentiality, ranging from monetary fines to immediate removal from office.

In addition, the Spanish Constitutional Court has signaled an intention to review the Balance of Powers between the judiciary and the executive, ensuring that political influence cannot compromise legal proceedings.

Conclusion

The conviction of Spain’s Attorney General for leaking evidence in a high‑profile tax‑fraud case marks a watershed moment in the country’s fight against corruption and political interference. While the ruling condemns a specific act of misconduct, it also highlights systemic vulnerabilities that could be exploited in future cases. Whether the new legal safeguards will succeed in preventing a recurrence remains to be seen, but the episode has undeniably elevated public discourse around judicial independence and the ethical conduct of those entrusted with the nation’s legal guardianship.

For now, Spain stands at a crossroads: to rebuild public trust in its judicial institutions or risk further erosion of democratic principles. The path chosen will shape the country’s legal culture for years to come, and the world will be watching.