Former party treasurer of Spanish ruling party Luis Bárcenas at heart of growing corruption inquiry

Luis Bárcenas is accused by Spanish authorities of abusing his position to secure bribes, evade taxes and launder money (Reuters)

Swiss authorities have opened a money laundering investigation into a former treasurer of Spain’s ruling party who is suspected of depositing millions of euros from bribes in Swiss bank accounts, a Geneva prosecutor said.

Luis Bárcenas, who is accused by Spanish authorities of abusing his position to secure bribes, evade taxes and launder money, is at the heart of a growing corruption scandal that has hurt the conservative People’s Party and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

Spanish court proceedings indicate that Mr Bárcenas held up to €38m (£32m) in Swiss bank accounts.

Reuters