Arrecife Mayor and Deputy Mayor Face Public Contract Investigation
A major legal investigation has been launched involving two of Arrecife’s most senior political figures following allegations surrounding the awarding of public contracts linked to a number of municipal events.
The Las Palmas Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has filed a criminal complaint against Arrecife Mayor Yonathan de León and Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Finance and Contracting, Echedey Eugenio. The case centres on suspected irregularities in the way contracts were awarded for several public celebrations, including Navilán 2023/24, Arrecife Carnival 2024, the April Fair 2024, and aspects of the Billy Capers event held in 2025.
What is being investigated?
According to information released by the Prosecutor’s Office, investigators are examining whether public procurement rules were properly followed during the organisation of several large-scale events.
Among the issues being examined are:
- The repeated use of small public contracts for services connected to the same event.
- Whether contracts may have been divided into smaller amounts to avoid stricter procurement procedures.
- Allegations that some tender processes gave companies very limited time to submit bids.
- Concerns that the same businesses were repeatedly awarded contracts.
- Reports that internal objections raised by municipal officials were later overridden.
These allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.
Police investigation already underway
The legal action follows an investigation carried out by Spain’s Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit (UDEF) of the National Police.
Investigators reviewed municipal documentation, financial records and statements from council officials before submitting their findings to prosecutors. Their report suggested there were sufficient indications to justify bringing the matter before a judge for further investigation.
Possible offences
The Prosecutor’s Office believes there are grounds to investigate possible offences including:
- Administrative misconduct (prevarication)
- Fraud against the public administration
- Misuse of public funds (malversation)
It is important to stress that these are allegations only. Neither politician has been convicted of any offence, and the judicial process is only beginning. The investigation could also expand if further evidence involving other individuals or companies emerges.
What happens next?
The complaint has now been submitted to the investigating court in Arrecife.
If the court accepts the case, a judge will oversee the next stage of the investigation, which may include interviewing those involved, examining additional documentation and deciding whether there is sufficient evidence for the matter to proceed to trial.
At this stage, no verdict has been reached and the investigation remains ongoing.
