Barcenas Begins To Crack Under Pressure Of PP Slush Fund Trial

The former government moneyman allegedly refused to put his handcuffs behind his back when he was led to a court hearing this week, insisting: ‘I am not a criminal’.

It comes as it emerged that every regional branch of the PP party around Spain had a separate secret cash accounting system, controlled by Barcenas.

And Judge Pablo Ruz declared that he and his wife amassed their personal fortune through the secret slush fund he controlled on behalf of the party.

Ruz, who has been investigating Barcenas and his secret ledgers detailing the payments, has issued a writ that states he diverted money from PP accounts to his own.

Swiss bank accounts holding more than €48.2 million were discovered in his name.

Barcenas has been in custody since June 27 for arranging illegal payments to politicians from the slush funds.

The funds were made up with donations from corrupt businessmen given in exchange for bumper contracts.

For as long as Barcenas managed finances for his party, key ministers, including Prime Minister Rajoy, would receive an envelope each month containing between €5,000 and €10,000 in cash.