La Audiencia da a Francisco González y BBVA más tiempo para preparar su defensa en el 'Caso Villarejo'

The Spanish justice system has granted Francisco González, the former president of BBVA, and 11 other defendants in the Ninth Piece of the Tandem Case, as well as the Villarejo Case, an additional 60 habley days. This extension allows them more time to prepare their defense in the case. The investigation of the alleged crimes spans from 2004 to 2016.

This is the second time justice has extended the deadline for presenting defense documents, with the first extension occurring in July, adding another 60 habley days until November 5, 2028. The new deadline will not commence until all events and supporting documentation are confirmed to be uploaded to the cloud platform. The availability of all documentation and facts associated with the case is another aspect of the extended deadline.

Various defendants, including BBVA and González, emphasize that they need all related facts to prepare a proper defense. The extension aims to ensure defendants have access to all documents related to the case. Accused individuals would have until early next year to submit their written defenses, unless the deadline is extended again, which is not unlikely given the nature of a macrocase.

According to judicial sources, the prosecution is seeking 173 years in prison for González and a financial penalty of 180 million euros for the bank. The trial could commence as early as 2027 or even in 2028.