Spanish police raid government offices

SPANISH police are cracking down on corruption by raiding town halls and government offices in 12 provinces across Spain.

The move follows numerous corruption scandals involving Spain’s most powerful businesses, prestigious banks, political parties and even the Spanish Royal Family.

It was reported that around 30 people were arrested during the latest investigation, which began earlier this year in June, headed by Judge Mercedes Alaya.

It was instigated following allegations that those in power had been taking kickbacks from private companies to win contracts. It is reported that the individuals involved are from a range of occupations, from successful businessmen and civil servants to public officials.

According to a statement released by the anti-corruption prosecutors office, the scandal has helped individuals ‘secure contracts worth around €250 million in the last two years’.

The Andalucia region in Southern Spain was where the operation, which was carried on Tuesday, was mainly conducted, but raids also took place in Barcelona and the Canary Islands.

Andalucia Government spokesman,Miguel Ángel Vázquez said:

“In this case it seems that suspects are limited to the sphere of officials, public servants, but at any level those who are guilty must be punished.”