The operation and trial, known as the Caso Malaya, featured nearly 100 suspects accused of corruption in the southern city of Marbella. Of the 85 individuals charged, 53 were convicted of various charges including bribery, fraud, and money laundering, The Independent reports.
The largest penalty was handed down to former city planning chief Juan Antonio Roca, who received a prison sentence of 11 years and a US$300 million fine. Roca was determined to have masterminded the operation, skimming off the top and achieving the status of one of Spain's richest men. Roca, who worked as the city's planner during the 1990s, amassed a collection of ranches, expensive cars, boats, and several stuffed lions, according to The Guardian.
Two former mayors, Marisol Yagüe and Julián Muñoz, received sentences of six and two years respectively. The criminal scheme transpired under the reign of late mayor Jesús Gil. Gil, Muñoz's predecessor, owned the Atlético de Madrid football club before taking office.
The Guardian noted that "It took the judge, José Godino, more than 40 minutes to read out the sentences, most of which were shorter than the prosecution had demanded." Prosecutors initially sought a 30-year sentence for Roca.
The massive corruption scandal shook up the government of Marbella, requiring the replacement of dozens of officials.
