The Civil Guard raided the Frigiliana Town Hall for over 12 hours. Mayor Antonio Herrero and six other councillors are being investigated for alleged misconduct, embezzlement, and fraud.
The mayor of Frigiliana, Antonio Herrero (PSOE), and six other councillors have been summoned to testify as suspects following the raid on the town hall in the Málaga locality, which lasted more than twelve hours this past Tuesday. The operation, carried out by the Civil Guard, is part of an ongoing case in the Court of Instruction number 1 of Torrox for crimes of administrative misconduct, embezzlement of public funds, fraud in contracting, organized crime, and influence peddling.
A Twelve-Hour Express Raid
Officers from the Benemérita burst into the Town Hall early in the morning and did not leave until well into the night. During that time, they seized documents, invoices, and data related to the investigation, according to sources from the Civil Guard. In addition to the main building, other municipal offices were also searched.
The High Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA) confirmed that no arrests have been made, but there are seven individuals under investigation, including the mayor and several councillors. All of them will have to appear before the court in the coming weeks to give their statements.
At the end of the raid, Mayor Herrero told the media that the agents had been collecting data and invoices and making photocopies, without providing further details. The secrecy of the case has already been lifted, which will allow for the details of the case to be known.
Political Reactions: Socialist Caution and Criticism from the PP
The PSOE of Málaga expressed their "utmost respect" for the investigation, called for "caution", and offered "full cooperation" following the actions, of which they stated they became aware through the media.
"We express our utmost respect for the investigation and ask for caution. We offer full cooperation," stated sources from the Málaga PSOE.
For its part, the general coordinator of the PP of Málaga, Cristóbal Ortega, demanded explanations from the PSOE of Málaga "for yet another alleged scandal of socialist corruption in the province." The opposition in Frigiliana has requested the mayor's appearance to account for the events.
For the residents of Frigiliana, a municipality of about 3,000 inhabitants in the Axarquía region, this investigation comes as a cold shower. Many are wondering whether the alleged irregularities have affected public services or local projects. The Town Hall continues to operate normally, but the uncertainty is palpable.
Background and Next Steps
This is not the first time that local politics in Axarquía has been tainted by corruption. In 2023, another municipality in the region was investigated for similar crimes, although that case ended in dismissal. Now, those under investigation in Frigiliana will have to wait for the court summons, which could occur in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the Town Hall will have to continue with its daily management, although the shadow of the investigation looms over every decision. The residents, for their part, hope that justice clarifies the facts as soon as possible and that, if there are any responsible parties, they face the consequences.
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