The High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) has officially confirmed a judicial investigation. It concerns alleged public embezzlement in Esparreguera, a municipality in the Baix Llobregat county. This probe focuses on the Foundation for Labour Inclusion (FIL) and its use of public funds. A separate line of inquiry targets Eduard Rivas. He is the former Esparreguera mayor and current chief of staff to Generalitat President Salvador Illa.
The investigation is led by Martorell's Court of First Instance and Instruction number 7. It centres on whether the FIL misused public money. Authorities allege the foundation diverted these funds for personal expenses. The FIL receives public funding from various councils. It provides vital training and employment for people with intellectual disabilities and those at risk of social exclusion.
Esparreguera Council sources stated their "full collaboration" with the judiciary. They requested "respect for the judicial investigation and for the presumption of innocence." The council currently has no knowledge of other individuals under investigation. It also denies any direct involvement as a public administration, beyond Rivas's status as an investigated party.
The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) classifies public embezzlement as a type of corruption offence. This crime involves the improper use or diversion of public administration funds. Such actions are carried out by officials or authorities entrusted with managing these resources. The main part of the case investigates the FIL's financial practices.
Mossos Raid and Contract Scrutiny
In January this year, officers from the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's police force, visited Esparreguera Town Hall. They requested documentation related to alleged public fund diversions transferred to the FIL. The council confirmed the Mossos sought information on various service contracts. These included street cleaning and public space maintenance agreements from 2022, 2023, and 2024. These contracts are crucial for maintaining local infrastructure and public hygiene.
Meanwhile, a separate and confidential part of the investigation examines the motives of Eduard Rivas. This piece also includes documentation from the FIL's public procurement activities. Rivas's position as chief of staff to the Generalitat President highlights the political sensitivity of the ongoing inquiry.
Arrests and Foundation Leadership Changes
The judicial case in Martorell became public in February this year. This followed an anti-corruption operation by the Mossos' central unit. The operation resulted in three arrests. The individuals detained were not public officials but had direct connections to the FIL. Police released them with charges after taking their statements. The FIL operates primarily in the northern Baix Llobregat area, a significant economic and residential zone. It maintains facilities in Esparreguera and serves several surrounding municipalities.
The mayors of Abrera, Collbató, Esparreguera, Olesa de Montserrat, and Sant Esteve Sesrovires serve on the FIL's board of trustees. Following the arrests, they requested the temporary removal of Jordi Minguito. Minguito was then the foundation's general director and one of the three individuals arrested. The FIL board and its chief executive agreed he would temporarily step down from the directorship. He subsequently received appointment as Director of R&D and New Projects, a position previously non-existent within the organisation. This move raised questions about governance and accountability.
Public Funding and Barcelona City Council Links
The Foundation for Labour Inclusion received substantial public subsidies to support its mission. It secured €1.6 million in 2021 and €2.3 million in 2022 to cover its operational costs, according to documents on its official website. The entity's special employment centre plays a vital role in the community. It hired 154 people in 2021 and 195 people in 2022. The foundation's latest report, dated 2023, highlights its focus on assisting "people with intellectual disabilities who face greater difficulties accessing the ordinary labour market."
FIL provides employment in various essential sectors. These include industrial manufacturing, cleaning public and private buildings, gardening, park maintenance, outlet shops, and green point management. Additionally, it handles rehabilitation and maintenance tasks, concierge services, and customer attention. Notably, the foundation holds contracts with Barcelona City Council. It provides services for facilities in the Sants-Montjuïc district, a densely populated area of Barcelona home to over 180,000 residents. It also serves the Barcelona Companion Animal Reception Centre. The foundation has furthermore facilitated employment for public road works in the Catalan capital, contributing to urban upkeep.
Future of the Investigation
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The outcome will determine the extent of any alleged misuse of public funds. It will also clarify the potential implications for those involved, including the former mayor and current Generalitat official. This case underscores the critical importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. It highlights the scrutiny applied to local and regional government bodies across Catalonia.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
