SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 1st March (EUROPA PRESS) –
The manager of a martial arts association in Tenerife has been apprehended by the National Police for allegedly committing a series of falsifying documents and fraudulent subsidy schemes. This arrest marks the culmination of a police inquiry led by the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Corruption and Organized Crime in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The investigation was triggered by a complaint filed by officials from the Sports Service of the Cabildo de Tenerife. The complainants, during a routine audit, discovered potential irregularities in the documentation submitted by the sports association to secure financial assistance between the years 2018 and 2020.
Upon closer scrutiny, discrepancies were found in the lists of athletes, coaches, and referees who had taken part in sports events. These lists did not match the actual participants or their affiliations as provided by other regional federations and travel agencies.
Additionally, some documents listed athletes from other islands who were ineligible for aid under the stipulated rules. In certain instances, the origins of athletes from different autonomous communities were falsified.
After the initial phase of investigation, law enforcement confirmed that over three years, the association had submitted more than 100 fraudulent documents to the Cabildo de Tenerife to justify receiving financial aid. The estimated sum defrauded through these false claims surpasses 86,000 euros.
The National Police are continuing their inquiry, now focusing on the assets phase, and are considering further actions.
