Rodrigo Rato’s trial has reached its conclusion, with the final report issued by the Public Ministry. The prosecutor is continuing to request a sentence of 63 years in prison for Rato’s tax crimes, money laundering, and corruption in business. The fiscal Elena Lorente highlighted Rato as the main accused in a trial with 16 other defendants due to his controlling character.
In her report, Lorente emphasized Rato’s extraordinary power and skills for control and command, noting his efforts to hinder the investigation through numerous appeals. She also pointed out Rato’s attempts to obscure his actions and hide wealth abroad, which only partially surfaced during a tax amnesty in 2012.
Rato was accused of manipulation and opacity in his financial affairs, declaring only partial assets and attempting to avoid paying the full amount owed to the Spanish Public Treasury. The prosecutor cited the Supreme Court ruling on the Grtel case to support the argument that Rato’s tax regularization was insufficient.
The prosecutor’s report is still ongoing, with defenses yet to be presented before the trial concludes with sentencing. The trial has shed light on a complex web of financial deceit and manipulation, exposing corrupt practices of high-profile individuals in positions of power.
