Documentation request by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office
At the request of the European Prosecutor’s Office, agents of the Judicial Police of the Civil Guard visited the offices of the Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands during the pandemic to collect new documentation related to the health contracts executed by the Canary Islands Health Service. .
According to media reports in the Canary Islands, this action was confirmed by the president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, during a visit to the facilities of the La Candelaria Hospital.
Cases of irregularities in the purchases of medical supplies
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has taken on the investigation of alleged irregularities in the purchase of medical supplies during the pandemic, especially in the so-called Masks case, where it is suspected that significant amounts were paid in advance to non-healthcare companies without receiving the corresponding products.
In the Canary Islands there were three cases related to the purchase of medical supplies during the pandemic. In one of them, four million euros were paid to a company for masks that were never delivered. In another case, an alleged fraud was discovered in the purchase of medical supplies, and in a third case, businessmen are being investigated for crimes related to the Public Treasury.
Involved and questionable actions
Within the framework of the scandal, the involvement of the president of UD Las Palmas and a former deputy, among others, is mentioned. In addition, it is detailed that officials and businessmen would be involved in questionable actions, such as the purchase of luxury vehicles with funds that were allegedly diverted from contracts for the supply of medical supplies.
Purchase of masks under suspicion
One of the cases mentioned involves a questionable purchase of masks by the Canarian Health Service from a company without due technical and professional solvency. This company, apparently, did not deliver the agreed masks and used part of the money to purchase luxury cars, which has generated a scandal linked to alleged irregularities in the management of resources during the pandemic.
The second payment made for the masks that were never received has been described as reckless and negligent by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, since it is maintained that it caused significant economic damage. It is noted that the successful bidder of the contract could only offer fake masks after having collected millions of euros in advance.
Furthermore, it is highlighted that despite the irregularities, the regional administration did not terminate the contract with the company, nor demand compensation for the damages suffered, which raised criticism about the management of public resources.