A lawyer is facing a six-year prison sentence and a fine exceeding €2.1 million for allegedly orchestrating a widespread scheme to falsify medical reports in Manresa and Berga, central Catalonia. The aim of the operation was to fraudulently obtain disability pensions for clients, with the trial for the accused commencing today at the Provincial Court.
According to the prosecution's indictment, the lawyer is accused of manipulating medical documents originating from two key healthcare facilities: Hospital Sant Bernabé in Berga and Clínica Sant Josep in Manresa. These alterations reportedly involved changing diagnoses, dates, and signatures on official reports to bolster claims for incapacity benefits.
The Public Prosecutor's Office asserts that these fraudulent practices were employed in at least sixteen judicial proceedings handled before Social Court number 1 in Manresa. The alleged manipulations allowed clients to obtain favourable rulings in several cases, ultimately causing an economic loss to the Social Security system of over €361,000.
Allegations of Systematic Fraud
The prosecution describes a continuous pattern of conduct, highlighting how the lawyer consistently acted as the legal representative for workers who were seeking the recognition of a permanent disability. This systematic approach, according to officials, directly connected the lawyer's professional activities in Manresa with the manipulation of medical evidence originating from Berga.
The charges against the lawyer are severe, encompassing several continuous offences. These include documentary falsification, procedural fraud, and fraud against the Social Security system. The prosecution's case outlines a complex scheme designed to exploit the system for financial gain.
Prosecution Seeks Repayment and Disqualification
Beyond the significant prison sentence and monetary fine, the Public Prosecutor's Office is also demanding the full repayment of all benefits improperly received as a direct result of the alleged scheme. This measure aims to recover the funds defrauded from the Social Security system.
Furthermore, the prosecution seeks the lawyer's disqualification from accessing any public aid in the future. The trial, which began today, is scheduled to continue until Thursday at section 21 of the Provincial Court, where evidence will be presented and testimonies heard.
