An unprecedented research
The Catalan medium RAC1 has recently revealed a series of documents that illuminate the darkest aspects of the intervention of Private Banking of Andorra (BPA). This bank, surrounded by controversy, became the objective of an operation called ‘Operation Catalonia’, promoted by Spanish authorities with the aim of dismantling Catalan independence.
A context of manipulation and misinformation
BPA attacks were based on unfounded claims that they argued that independence leaders were accounts for millions of euros in Andorra to finance their actions. However, the tests have not shown a substantial connection between independence and resources in the Principality, despite the fact that the Pujol family did have funds there.
The influence of Commissioner Villarejo
Commissioner José Manuel Villarejo played a key role in creating this narrative, manipulating information and pushing authorities to act against BPA, while ignoring other banks that could have been involved in similar activities.
Unpublished revelations that change the game
Recently, RAC1 has obtained access to emails and confidential notes that suggest that the then Spanish President, Mariano Rajoy, made an agreement with the head of government of Andorra, Antoni Martí, to dismantle the BPA, a bank that was not only unknown to the Spanish authorities but also was not linked to traditional families of Andorran banking.
Operation’s hidden goals
The strategy focused on dropping BPA not only on suspicions about Pujol, but also because Villarejo feared that the bank hid funds from other independence sectors. This intervention was part of a wider plan to eliminate any perceived threat against the unity of Spain.
The consequences and reactions
The revealed documents indicate that the Spanish government sought to create a narrative that justified the bank’s intervention, an action that resulted in the arrest of Joan Pau Miquel, CEO of the BPA, who spent 22 months in remand. The questions about the premeditation of the intervention and the details of this plan remain unanswered.
Allegations of victims
Higini Cierco and Joan Pau Miquel have expressed their outrage at the lack of support and the criminalization they suffered. They have stated that the operation was designed to destroy their reputation without providing them with the opportunity to defend themselves. Now, with the new evidence, they consider taking legal action against those who orchestrated this campaign.
An uncertain future
With the possibility of filed new complaints, former BPA directors seek justice and a review of their case. Its history illustrates the complexity of international relations and the implications of political actions in the financial system. The struggle for the truth continues, and the new revelations could change the course of this controversy.