Political Controversy in Puerto del Rosario: The Case of Peña Armas

Allegations of Corruption

Peña Armas, the former councilor for Personnel, Works, and Contracting in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, has made headlines for her vehement denial of any wrongdoing during her tenure. On a recent Wednesday, she stated publicly that she has not “received a single cent” from any companies or individuals affiliated with the municipality. Armas claims that the allegations against her are politically motivated, branding them a “political denunciation” orchestrated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The Odin Case

The controversy stems from what’s been dubbed the “Odin Case,” which involves municipal contracts awarded in the years 2021 to 2023, amounting to a staggering €1.1 million. Many of these contracts allegedly benefited individuals closely related to Peña Armas. She has been summoned to testify before the Court of Instruction Number 3 in the island’s capital regarding her involvement in these matters.

Denial and Defense

In her defense, Peña Armas has publicly expressed her astonishment that the previous mayor, Juan Jiménez, has not faced similar scrutiny despite his direct involvement in the awarded contracts. She asserts that payments for these contracts were executed under the oversight of the councilor of Economy, Verdugo Muñoz, who, according to her, raised no objections to any of the payments, even when questioned by the intervention office.

Peña Armas maintains that the audit that flagged irregularities was selective and disproportionately focused on her, implicating over half of the dubious contracts as involving members of the PSOE, the political party of which Jiménez is a prominent member.

Family Connections

A major point of contention revolves around the fact that numerous contracts were awarded to companies closely associated with Peña Armas’ family. She argues that neither the councilor of Economy nor other municipal officials raised “any legal objections” regarding these familial business ties, citing laws that permit such arrangements.

Moreover, she has defended herself by stating that the previous mayor and other colleagues had engaged in similar practices without facing consequences. Peña claims to have provided proof of legitimate transactions for a house she purchased, asserting that all the payments were legal and transparent.

Financial Implications

The investigation by the prosecutor’s office, led by Javier Ródenas, suggests serious allegations, including prevarication, influence trafficking, misappropriation of public funds, and fraud against the administration. Of the 36 contracts scrutinized, an alarming 29—totaling approximately €957,000—were awarded to Peña Armas’ family members.

Her cousin, Cipriano Armas Mesa, is notably mentioned as a recipient of nearly half a million euros in contracts via companies he operates, such as Codeplag Canarias SL and Tuercón Canarias SL. This raises further questions about the intertwining of political power and business interests, as evidenced by the hiring of Cipriano’s spouse by the municipality for six separate contracts totaling €210,011.

The Mechanism of Allegations

According to the prosecutor’s report, evidence suggests a coordinated scheme among the investigated parties aimed at financially benefiting family-associated firms under the guise of legitimate municipal contracts. The report specifically calls out the manipulation of “urgent” project bids when the respective work had already been executed, indicating a possible collusion among involved officials.

Evidence presented indicates that the investigation will delve deeper into how these contracts were a medium for personal financial gain, alongside a troubling pattern where familial and friendly relationships facilitated preferential treatment.

Investigative Actions

The saga reached a critical point when on July 17, the Economic and Financial Crime Unit (UDEF) arrested Peña Armas, her cousin, and a municipal technician as part of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s operation. This significant move highlights the gravity of the allegations and the potential ramifications for those involved in corrupt practices within the municipal government.

Anonymous Tips and Public Outcry

The allegations surfaced following two reports made to the prosecutor’s office, one from the political party Podemos and another from an anonymous whistleblower. This highlights a growing concern among residents and political figures regarding transparency and integrity within local governance. With multiple layers unfolding, the situation emphasizes how political dynamics can significantly influence municipal operations and the faith of citizens in their elected representatives.

Through ongoing developments, residents of Puerto del Rosario find themselves at a crossroads, eager for clarity and accountability in governance, as the case continues to unravel.