The Torrox Court lifts the secrecy of the case and includes crimes of criminal organisation and influence peddling in the case against the Frigiliana Town Hall.
The First Instance and Instruction Court number 1 of Torrox has expanded the investigation into the Frigiliana Town Hall to include alleged crimes of criminal organisation and influence peddling, as reported this Wednesday by the Superior Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA). The case, which until now focused on prevarication and embezzlement, adds new charges following the Guardia Civil's search.
Thirteen-hour search and new charges
The search at the Town Hall and the home of the mayor, the socialist Alejandro Herrero, lasted more than thirteen hours last Tuesday. The agents collected invoices, administrative documentation, and other information, mainly through photocopies, as explained by the mayor at the end of the operation. There are no arrests, but several investigated individuals, including Herrero and several councillors, will be called to testify in the coming weeks.
The investigation originated from a complaint by a municipal secretary who held the position between 2023 and 2024. The proceedings focus on contracts and invoices from around twenty companies that have provided services to the Town Hall in recent years. The lifting of the secrecy of the case now allows for details of the proceedings to be known.
Political reactions: PP demands resignations
The PP of Málaga has demanded the immediate resignation of the mayor and the investigated councillors. The general secretary of the Málaga PP, José Ramón Carmona, stated that "there is a political responsibility that the PSOE must assume," although they respect the presumption of innocence. Carmona reminded that the municipality has been under suspicion regarding municipal management for years, as denounced by the popular group in the plenary sessions.
For his part, the spokesperson for the PP in Frigiliana, Pedro Alcántara, demanded explanations from the socialist government team for the "nervousness" generated in the municipality and emphasised that "every penny of public money must be justified." The PSOE of Málaga, for now, maintains its position of respect for the investigation and calls for caution until the facts are clarified.
Implications for the residents of Frigiliana
For the residents of Frigiliana, this expansion of the investigation represents a scenario of uncertainty regarding municipal management. The case affects public contracts that may have diverted funds intended for local services. The lifting of the secrecy of the case will allow the parties to know the evidence, and it is expected that in the coming weeks the appearances of the investigated individuals will be scheduled. Meanwhile, the Town Hall continues its ordinary activities, albeit under the shadow of a possible formal charge against its top officials.
The Guardia Civil has sent all the seized documentation to the court, which will be analysed to determine the possible existence of a corruption network. The residents, who are following the case closely, hope that justice will clarify the facts and, if necessary, hold those responsible accountable.
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