Agents of the central Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (Udef) have dismantled a corrupt network dedicated to adjudicating works in exchange for gifts in the Cantabria Department of Public Works. As EL MUNDO has learned, there are eight people arrested and the main piece of this organization was a public official who, according to sources close to the investigation, tendered works to certain local builders in exchange for cash and gifts.
The operation began several months ago after suspicions of the modus operando of the Ministry worker. Udef agents have carried out searches and have seized numerous documents. The official had up to five construction companies in his criminal orbit to which he was awarding minor works in the area, in the road maintenance service.
The National Police keeps the investigation open and more detainees are not ruled out.
The Government delegate in Cantabria, Ainoa Quiñones, has indicated for her part that it is a joint investigation between the Tax Agency and the National Police, "which have been carried out for many months."
Quiñones has specified that, in addition to the searches at the headquarters of the Ministry of Public Works in Santander, they will also be carried out in companies and private homes.
As reported to Europa Press by sources from the Government of Cantabria, agents from the Tax Agency and the National Police appeared at the headquarters of the Ministry early in the morning and sealed off five offices of the road maintenance service, waiting for the arrival of a judicial commission to proceed with the search.
Until now, no statement has been taken from any high-ranking Ministry official, who in principle would not be involved -according to the Executive-, while the Public Works staff has made themselves available for the investigation.
It is expected that the counselor, José Luis Gochicoa, will appear before the media today to report on these events.
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