MADRID (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 27th December, 2018) The Spanish anti-corruption Prosecutor's office may launch an investigation into violations during the conclusion of contracts for the construction of a high-speed railway in Saudi Arabia between Mecca and Medina, local media reported Wednesday.
According to the Cadena SER radio station, the investigation is connected with the secret recordings of Corinna Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn private conversation, the former mistress of the former head of state, King Juan Carlos, which was made several years ago. During the conversation, she talked about bribes during the conclusion of contracts for the construction of the railway in 2011. According to the conversation, the total amount of 80 million Euros ($ 91 million) came from Saudi Arabia. Carlos could have received part of this sum.
The media reported that the anti-corruption Prosecutor's office could start an investigation into this case. The prosecutor's office already asked Riyadh to provide information on whether the investigation is being carried out by Saudi Arabia. In case of a negative response, the Spanish Prosecutor's office will begin to study the case. However, according to the media, the investigation will not be directed against the king, but against the Spanish entrepreneurs who may be involved in obtaining contracts dishonestly.
According to the Prosecutor's office, evidence of the king's participation is extremely weak. Moreover, it was a period when Juan Carlos was the head of state and enjoyed full immunity.
An agreement on the construction of a railway between Mecca and Medina was concluded in 2011, this project was personally lobbied by Juan Carlos. The contract amounted to 6,736 billion euros ($7,6 billion), which made the project the largest among Spanish companies on construction of infrastructure outside the country.
The consortium consists of 12 Spanish companies (Adif, Renfe, Talgo, OHL, Ineco, Indra, Cobra, Copasa, Imathia, Inabensa, Siemens Espana and Consultrans) and two Saudi companies (Al Rosan and Al Shoula).
The railway was opened to passengers in Fall.
