Carmen Pano's chauffeur testified that he transported her to the PSOE headquarters with approximately 90,000 euros in cash intended for political financing.
In the ongoing 'Hydrocarbons Case', Álvaro Gallego, the chauffeur for businesswoman Carmen Pano, provided crucial testimony in Spain's National Audience. He confirmed that he drove Pano to the PSOE headquarters on Ferraz Street, where she reportedly delivered 90,000 euros in cash. Gallego specifically mentioned that he saw the money packed in bundles of 50 euro bills and stated that Pano left the premises without the bags she arrived with, suggesting a significant transaction took place.
Pano has reiterated her accounts to the judge, emphasizing that she made two trips to the PSOE office, each time delivering €45,000. This sequence of events raises serious questions about the financing practices within Spain’s socialist party, as reports indicate that the cash was allegedly linked to illegal financial transactions involving PDVSA, the Venezuelan state oil company. This testimony aligns with broader investigations into the potential mismanagement of funds and the unethical solicitation of monetary support for political purposes.
The legal implications of these revelations are profound, as they threaten to unravel established narratives around the PSOE and its financial dealings. If the allegations of illegal financing are substantiated, it could lead to significant political fallout and raise ethical concerns regarding the transparency of party financing in Spain. This situation not only has legal repercussions but also highlights the ongoing issues surrounding corruption and the influence of external entities in domestic politics.
