Princess Christian of Spain is facing corruption charges again that include tax fraud and money laundering. The youngest daughter of King Juan Carlos has been linked to an investigation into the diversion of public funds by her husband.
Christina’s name came up in the investigation last April, and preliminary charges were brought against her, reports CNN. But then prosecutors dropped the charges because of insufficient evidence. However, Judge Jose Castro continued his investigation, even though prosecutors are still against the charges. Since there is still a conflict there, the case will go back to provincial court.
Her husband, Inaki Urdangarin, is embroiled in what the press has called the “Noos case,” reports Deutsche Presse-Agentur. The former Olympic handball player and his business partner, Diego Torres, are being investigated because of their Noos Institute, a charity Urdangarin lead for a few years. They are accused of taking $8 million of public funds under the guise of the charity.
In today’s ruling, Castro said he believes there is evidence to link Christina to Urdangarin’s illegal activities through Aizoon, which she co-owned and which her husband also allegedly used to embezzle funds.
Urdangarin and Christina’s lawyers have maintained that they did not do anything wrong. The Royal Palace issued a statement today, saying that it has “respect for judicial decisions.”
This investigation has brought the popular Spanish royal family a major scandal, which the public is following closely. Christina, 48, is King Juan Carlos’ second of three children and is seventh in line to the throne.
image: Wikimedia Commons
