Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Elena Lorente delivered her final report in court, accusing former IMF managing director Rodrigo Rato of hiding significant assets abroad for years through instrumental companies. Lorente highlighted Rato’s control over the scheme and his evasion of taxes by managing a network of interrelated companies. She is seeking 63 years in prison for Rato, framing his actions as deliberate attempts to avoid tax payments.
Throughout the trial, Rato has rejected the allegations as fabrication, leading to tense exchanges with the prosecutor and court. The defense has attempted to challenge the incriminating thesis by presenting evidence of innocence, which Lorente has dismissed as traps and illusions. Lorente dismantled Rato’s explanations about the origin of his foreign funds, citing inconsistencies and questioning his motives for participating in the 2012 tax amnesty.
The prosecutor refuted the defense’s arguments and criticized Rato’s attempt to assert control over the judicial proceedings. She highlighted his refusal to answer questions from Anti-Corruption and State Attorney’s Office as a manipulative tactic. The trial is ongoing, with Lorente continuing to present her case before State Attorney’s Office while defense will have their turn. Before conclusion of trial, Rato will have an opportunity to make a final statement.
In summary, Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Elena Lorente presented her final report in court accusing former IMF managing director Rodrigo Rato of hiding significant assets abroad for years through instrumental companies. She accused him of evasion of taxes and sought 63 years in prison for him while he rejected these allegations leading to tense exchanges with prosecutor and court.
