The “Mediator” trial continues tomorrow with testimony from Civil Guard agents

Defenses maintain there is “no crime,” while the prosecution introduces new evidence – two Civil Guard witnesses and a recording.

The Provincial Court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife opened on Thursday the first phase of the “Mediator” case, specifically the segment concerning an alleged bribery scheme to install photovoltaic panels throughout the archipelago. The trial will resume on Friday with the testimony of Civil Guard agents.

Key Points of the Proceedings

• Accused: Retired Civil Guard General Francisco Espinosa, businessman Antonio Bautista, and intermediary Marco Antonio Navarro Tacoronte.
• Prosecution’s request: One year of imprisonment for each defendant on charges of bribery.
• Trial format: A popular‑jury trial expected to last four days; Thursday was devoted to preliminary arguments from the prosecution and the defence.
• Defence stance: All three defendants are demanding full acquittal, arguing a “lack of elements” and the “impossibility of proving” any criminal conduct.

Prosecutor’s Narrative (as reported by Europa Press)

The indictment alleges that Bautista approached Navarro Tacoronte, who presented himself as a well‑connected figure in both the business world and the regional public administration, despite lacking any official representation.

“Navarro offered to secure contracts with major companies and to obtain subsidies for Bautista’s firm, as well as to formalise lucrative contracts with the public administration,” the prosecutor’s brief states.

To win the trust of businessmen, Navarro allegedly demanded commissions, gifts, and other favors, arranging meetings with influential political and economic actors, including the retired General Espinosa, who allegedly colluded with him. The prosecution claims Espinosa was “one of the highest authorities of the armed institute in the Canary Islands for four years.”

Meetings were sometimes held on the Spanish Peninsula to project an image of seriousness and power. Bautista allegedly covered all expenses, presenting gifts such as cigar boxes valued at nearly €250 and financing trips for both the general and the intermediary.

Defence Arguments

General Francisco Espinosa

Espinosa’s lawyer argued that the former general was no longer a public official at the time of the alleged facts (since 2017), serving only in “special services” for the state‑run GAR‑SI Sahel project.

“The prosecutor seeks to criminalise a private, everyday situation: introducing two friends and recommending them professionally,” the defence counsel said, insisting there is no crime, let alone corruption.

The defence maintains that Espinosa did not act as a public officer, did not use his rank for personal gain, and therefore cannot be liable for bribery.

Antonio Bautista

Bautista’s attorney echoed the “no‑crime” argument, emphasizing that the alleged conduct was strictly private and commercial.

“This case concerns a businessman who made the mistake of trusting the wrong person,” he said, adding that no money was ever paid to General Espinosa and that the commercial outcome of all contacts was nil.

He urged the jury to disregard the prosecution’s accusations as lacking any evidential basis.

Marco Antonio Navarro Tacoronte

Navarro’s lawyer framed his client’s activity as purely private intermediation between individuals and companies, for which remuneration is normal.

“My client’s work is private and involves connecting private parties. As a result, he receives compensation,” the lawyer asserted.

New Evidence Added by the Prosecution

At the close of Thursday’s session, the prosecution introduced additional evidence deemed “absolutely pertinent”:

• Testimony from two Civil Guard officers.
• A recording (audio/video) relevant to the case.

These pieces will be examined during the next hearing.

Upcoming Session

The trial will reconvene on Friday at 9:30 a.m. for a second session, during which Civil Guard agents and other state security personnel will provide their testimonies.

The trial continues to unfold, with the defence focusing on the absence of any criminal element and the prosecution bolstering its case with fresh witness statements and recordings.