It is possible that, in the collective memory, the Ninette affair has been forgotten. No wonder: this urban corruption plot in the Murcia region broke out 17 years ago. This Tuesday, he returns to the headlines after learning that the president of the Court of Instruction number 2 of San Javier orders the opening of an oral trial against 15 people for the alleged crimes of illicit association, prohibited negotiations, corruption, public document falsification, prevarication, embezzlement and money laundering, in relation to the allocation of urban projects and municipal land, as the case may be.
It was in 2008 when the mayor of Los Alcázares, the socialist Juan Escudero, was arrested and identified with the former municipal architect -Mariano Ayuso-, the former secretary of the City Hall, the brother of the municipal architect and two local businessmen. They are accused of trying to control the entire real estate market and architectural projects in the municipality of Los Alcázares.
After the conclusion of the investigation, the prosecutor presented an indictment in which he requested sentences totaling 20 years in prison for Mariano Ayuso, the main accused, a fine of more than 800,000 euros and up to 27 years of absolute confinement. Sanctions adhered to by the popular accusation and the accusation brought by the Los Alcázares City Council.
Likewise, with varying degrees of involvement, the accusations are directed against former mayor Juan Escudero, businessmen and associates of these officials.
All three charges also seek civil liability derived from the crime. In the case of the public accusation, he requests that the Los Alcázares City Council be compensated to the tune of 3.7 million euros.
Bail of 4.9 million
In this sense, in the device, the company Garcerán Construcciones SL and the two managers of the company are required to provide a deposit of 4.9 million euros, for which Mariano Ayuso must be jointly and severally responsible. Former mayor Juan Escudero and another indicted person are entitled to bail of up to 246,495 euros. And a bail of 1.3 million for two other defendants and the companies Dorma Golf SL and Ilka Baley SL. ensure the financial responsibilities which, where applicable, may be imposed. Establishing, in accordance with the law on criminal prosecutions, that in the event of non-granting of the loan, the seizure of its assets in sufficient quantity is decreed.
The judge maintains the obligation to appear for six persons under investigation, even if, due to the time that has elapsed without there having been a violation of this precautionary measure, he spaced it out, from twice a month to once every two months.
The order, in accordance with the sentence requested for the charges, declares the Provincial Court of Murcia as the competent body to initiate proceedings and rule on the proceedings.
Finally, it was agreed to lift civil measures against defendants for whom civil liability is not requested.
Once received, the accused must submit within 10 days a written statement agreeing or disagreeing with the prosecution, proposing the evidence they intend to use.
There is no appeal against this order.
