Officials to face corruption trial

THE former mayor of Casares is to appear in court next month, accused of conspiring to help a Russian criminal group launder money.

Juan Sanchez and at least eight others, including a council official, three councillors, and a developer, are due in court on October 24.

Prosecutors are demanding at least 18 years for Sanchez, who will face charges of alleged bribery, fraud, and embezzlement.

It is claimed the Russian group’s activities began in the 1990’s,  when they entered the property market and were given favourable treatment by some of the accused.

These arrangements sidestepped normal procedures, and led to land that was under public ownership, passing into private hands.

The prosecution claim Sanchez and the three councillors approved the construction of 115 homes despite knowing this was illegal.

They allegedly took bribes in 2004/2005  from a group whose total outlay to get building projects through, was in the region of 286,000 euros.