The law firm Equipo Económico, tied to former Minister of Finance Cristóbal Montoro, has officially appealed a report from the Spanish Treasury, which raises alarms over payments totaling €35.5 million received from various clients between 2008 and 2013. The firm argues that the Treasury overstepped its bounds by prospectively assessing all their income and claims that the investigating judge, Rubén Rus from Tarragona, has shown 'extreme passivity' by allowing the investigation to drag on for eight years without calling the accused individuals for questioning.

The implications of this appeal are significant, as it not only raises questions about the Treasury's examination methods but also calls into question the efficiency of judicial processes concerning high-profile corruption cases in Spain. The accusation of passivity directed at Judge Rus stresses a growing concern within the legal community regarding the timeliness and effectiveness of investigations, especially in cases that involve influential political figures.

With 28 individuals currently implicated in this alleged influence-peddling scheme, Equipo Económico's challenge adds yet another layer to an already complex investigation that has gripped public attention. The ongoing scrutiny over the handling of the case reflects broader issues surrounding accountability and integrity within Spain’s political and economic systems.