Codere and Montoro: Allegations of €679,000 Lobbying Scheme
Spanish gambling operator Codere has come under investigation by Catalonia’s anti-corruption police unit as part of a broader probe into former finance minister Cristóbal Montoro’s business dealings. Read more.
The Case Overview
Investigators allege that consulting firm Equipo Económico, co-founded by Cristóbal Montoro, received €679,000 from Codere between 2008 and 2012 — a period during which key legislation affecting Spain’s online gambling sector was introduced.
Authorities suspect that Codere may have used Montoro’s political connections to influence gambling laws in its favor.
Main Figures Involved
- Codere — a major Spanish gambling and betting company.
- Cristóbal Montoro — former Minister of Finance and co-founder of Equipo Económico.
- Rafael Catalá — former advisor to Codere and Justice Minister under Prime Minister Rajoy.
Financial Flows and Political Links
According to police reports, Codere paid over €140,000 annually to Equipo Económico for five consecutive years, totaling €679,000.
| Year | Codere Payment (€) | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–2012 | 679,000 | Consulting and lobbying services |
This period coincides with the development and passage of key gambling regulations, including the 2011 Gambling Act under the PSOE government, followed by amendments introduced under the Rajoy administration, during Montoro’s tenure as finance minister.
Suspected Pressure on Foreign Competitors
Investigators also believe Codere may have gained an unfair advantage by pressuring foreign gambling companies through retroactive tax claims ranging from €150 million to €200 million as a condition for operating licenses in Spain.
This strategy allegedly targeted offshore operators based in jurisdictions like Gibraltar, effectively pushing them out of the Spanish market through aggressive tax enforcement.
Examples of Pro-Codere Policy Changes
- Amendments to income tax law (IRPF) allowing gambling losses to be deducted.
- Licensing policies favoring domestic companies.
- Direct coordination between Equipo Económico and key government ministries.
The Role of Rafael Catalá
Rafael Catalá served as Codere’s advisor from 2005 to 2012, before becoming Justice Minister. He had earlier worked at the Ministry of Finance under Montoro between 2000 and 2002 — raising further questions about close ties between Codere, Equipo Económico, and influential figures in government.
How the Investigation Began
The probe began after an anonymous tip in 2017, followed by the discovery of a letter during an unrelated criminal investigation. The letter allegedly stated: “The direct route is to pay Equipo Económico — they have direct access to the minister.”
Additional Suspicions: Natural Gas Sector
Alongside the Codere case, investigators are examining Equipo Económico’s lobbying efforts on behalf of gas companies, which reportedly paid over €700,000 to push for regulatory changes that reduced their tax burden.
Unlike the Codere case — where no separate legal proceedings have been initiated — investigators in the gas sector have found direct communications between company representatives and officials at the Ministry of Finance.
Conclusion
As of July 2025, the investigation is still ongoing. Authorities suspect that Codere, with help from former high-level officials, may have influenced gambling legislation to secure favorable market conditions.
Montoro has denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated. So far, no separate criminal case has been opened in relation to Codere, despite reports from the Mossos d’Esquadra citing potential lobbying activities.