Luis Bárcenas and his wife, Rosalía Iglesias, have appeared before the National Court as victims in the “Operation Kitchen” trial. They are testifying about a suspected police plot designed to steal sensitive documentation from the former PP treasurer to protect party leaders during investigations into the “caja B” and the Gürtel case.
Claims of Surveillance and Prison Abuse
During his testimony, Bárcenas detailed a period of “tremendous and permanent persecution” while held at the Soto del Real penitentiary. He alleged that he was subjected to forced full-body nudity and excessive handcuffing during a medical exit for an allergy, claiming these actions were intended to humiliate him.
Bárcenas further claimed that his treatment shifted drastically after a conversation with him was published in El Mundo. He testified that he was subsequently required to provide logs of his phone calls and was classified as a “FIES” prisoner, a designation typically reserved for those with the danger level of terrorists.
The former treasurer also described being shadowed for a month by a fellow inmate who he believes was placed there to monitor him. According to Bárcenas, this individual used a false identity; while the man was white, his official file belonged to a citizen of the Dominican Republic.
The Role of the Confidant and Stolen Data
A central figure in the testimony is Sergio Ríos, the family’s former chauffeur. Bárcenas stated that Ríos, who was recommended by a PP security chief, had permanent access to his electronic devices. He described how Ríos used envelopes acting as “Faraday cages” to hide phones in his car and helped install security cameras at the Bárcenas residence.
Bárcenas confirmed that Ríos took his mobile phone, watch and tie the day he entered prison in June 2013. He also detailed how Ríos assisted in moving 20 to 25 boxes of documentation from his office at Génova 13 to a restoration studio owned by his wife.
The prosecution presented documents—including records of a 50,000 euro donation for the Madrid regional elections delivered to Beltrán Gutiérrez Moliner—which Bárcenas identified as his own handwriting. He asserted that all such materials had been kept at his home before being seized.
Recordings and Political Implications
Bárcenas revealed the existence of three specific recordings: one of himself explaining the PP’s off-the-books accounting, one with former President Mariano Rajoy, and a more extensive one with Javier Arenas. These were stored on a pendrive and in the cloud.
The court heard that Bárcenas paid a fellow inmate, Isidro Sánchez, 4,000 euros to delete the recording of Rajoy from the cloud. This payment was allegedly facilitated through his wife and delivered by Sergio Ríos.
The trial has also brought focus to the utilize of codenames, with police investigators ratifying that the plot referred to Mariano Rajoy as “El Asturiano” or “El Barbas.” Evidence was presented regarding threats made by retired commissioner José Manuel Villarejo, who allegedly claimed he could exert pressure on the former president.
Legal Stakes and Next Steps
The prosecution is seeking significant prison sentences for the accused. Ex-Interior Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz and Secretary of State Francisco Martínez face requests for 15 years, while José Manuel Villarejo faces a request for 19 years and Sergio Ríos 12 years and five months.
The trial is expected to continue until June 30, with approximately 150 witnesses scheduled to testify. A possible next step in the proceedings is the testimony of Mariano Rajoy and María Dolores de Cospedal, which is scheduled for this Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the primary defendants in the Operation Kitchen trial?
The main accused include former Interior Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz, Secretary of State Francisco Martínez, former DAO Eugenio Pino, Commissioner Andrés Gómez Gordo, retired Commissioner José Manuel Villarejo, and former chauffeur Sergio Ríos.
What specific recordings did Luis Bárcenas claim to possess?
Bárcenas stated he had three recordings: one of himself explaining the PP’s extracontable accounting, one with Mariano Rajoy, and a longer recording with Javier Arenas.
How did Sergio Ríos allegedly assist the espionage plot?
Ríos had permanent access to Bárcenas’s devices, used Faraday-style envelopes to conceal phones in his car, handled the transport of boxes of sensitive documentation, and took Bárcenas’s phone upon his entry into prison.
Do you believe the use of “trusted” intermediaries is the most effective way to conduct political espionage?
