The mayor of Orihuela, José Vegara, is set to appear before the Criminal Court this Friday, November 14, accused of tax fraud and falsifying commercial documents in a case dating back two decades — long before his political career began.
The trial, involving Vegara and four businessmen, was halted ten months ago when his lawyer fell ill, but the court has now rescheduled the hearing, with two additional sessions planned this month.
The Alleged Fraud
Prosecutors are demanding seven years in prison for Vegara, who at the time served as CEO of ITV Vega Baja, alongside three other executives — two from the same company. The charges: a continued offense of document forgery and two counts of tax fraud, relating to both VAT and corporate tax.
According to the indictment, the Spanish Treasury lost €917,935 in 2005 due to what investigators describe as “fraudulent maneuvers” by the Vehicle Technical Inspection Station. The alleged scheme involved fake invoices for 100,000 promotional planners, supposedly bought for customers but actually used to claim unlawful tax deductions.
The breakdown of the alleged fraud:
- €760,539 in corporate tax
- €157,396 in VAT
Vegara, who maintains he is “completely innocent,” insists the case is a misunderstanding from his business past.
“Just as Calm as Twenty Years Ago”
When the trial was first postponed last January, the mayor appeared defiant:
“I have no doubt about my innocence. I am just as calm as I was 20 years ago, and I’m certain of what will happen in November,” Vegara said as he left the courthouse.
He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, asserting the accusations surfaced just as he was nominated as the Popular Party’s candidate for mayor — and later won the position.
Silence at Town Hall
The mayor has declined to comment on the upcoming hearing. Sources within the PP–Vox coalition stress that the trial has “nothing to do with Orihuela City Council,” as the alleged crimes occurred during Vegara’s private business dealings — years before his entry into politics.
Party insiders describe the proceedings as a “private matter”, and no official statements will be issued while the court case unfolds.
No Deal with Prosecutors
Despite attempts to negotiate, Vegara has rejected any plea bargain, refusing to admit guilt — a necessary condition for any agreement with prosecutors.
The Popular Party confirmed in January that it had opened a disciplinary case against Vegara following the announcement of the trial, in line with the party’s internal rules.
A Trial Amid Political Turmoil
The case resurfaces at a turbulent moment for the regional government. Carlos Mazón, then head of the Valencian government, had faced mounting criticism over his handling of the Valencia floods and ultimately resigned — reshuffling the political landscape just as Vegara prepares to defend his name in court.
